Smoking article for identifying an attribute of an aerosol-generating element for adaptive power output and an associated method

ABSTRACT

Smoking articles and a method for making a smoking article are provided. The smoking articles include an aerosol-generating element configured to produce an aerosol in response to heat, a housing defining a cavity configured to receive the aerosol-generating element therein, a heating element engaged with the housing and configured to provide heat to the aerosol-generating element, a power source in electrical communication with the heating element and configured to provide electrical energy thereto, the heating element producing heat in response to the electrical energy, an aerosol-generating element identification device configured to identify an attribute of an aerosol-generating element and a control device in communication with the aerosol-generating element identification device and configured to modulate electrical energy provided to a heating element of the smoking article to direct the heating element to heat the aerosol-generating element to an aerosolization temperature associated with the identified attribute of the aerosol-generating element.

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices and systems,such as smoking articles; and more particularly, to aerosol deliverydevices and systems that utilize electrically-generated heat for theproduction of aerosol (e.g., smoking articles for purposes of yieldingcomponents of tobacco and other materials in an inhalable form, commonlyreferred to as electronic cigarettes). Highly preferred components ofsuch articles are made or derived from tobacco, or those articles can becharacterized as otherwise incorporating tobacco for human consumption,and which are capable of vaporizing components of tobacco and/or othertobacco related materials to form an inhalable aerosol for humanconsumption.

Description of Related Art

Many smoking devices have been proposed through the years asimprovements upon, or alternatives to, smoking products that requirecombusting tobacco for use. Many of those devices purportedly have beendesigned to provide the sensations associated with cigarette, cigar, orpipe smoking, but without delivering considerable quantities ofincomplete combustion and pyrolysis products that result from theburning of tobacco. To this end, there have been proposed numeroussmoking products, flavor generators, and medicinal inhalers that utilizeelectrical energy to vaporize or heat a volatile material, or attempt toprovide the sensations of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking withoutburning tobacco to a significant degree. See, for example, the variousalternative smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and heatgenerating sources set forth in the background art described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,726,320 to Robinson et al.; and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. Nos.2013/0255702 to Griffith, Jr. et al.; and 2014/0096781 to Sears et al.,which are incorporated herein by reference. See also, for example, thevarious types of smoking articles, aerosol delivery devices andelectrically powered heat generating sources referenced by brand nameand commercial source in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0220232 to Blesset al., which is incorporated herein by reference. Additional types ofsmoking articles, aerosol delivery devices and electrically powered heatgenerating sources referenced by brand name and commercial source arelisted in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0245659 to DePiano et al., whichis also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Certain tobacco products that have employed electrical energy to produceheat for aerosol formation, and in particular, certain products thathave been referred to as electronic cigarette products, have beencommercially available throughout the world. Representative productsthat resemble many of the attributes of traditional types of cigarettes,cigars or pipes have been marketed as ACCORD® by Philip MorrisIncorporated; ALPHA™, JOYE 510™ and M4™ by InnoVapor LLC; CIRRUS™ andFLING™ by White Cloud Cigarettes; BLU™ by Lorillard Technologies, Inc.;COHITA™, COLIBRI™, ELITE CLASSIC™, MAGNUM™, PHANTOM™ and SENSE™ byEPUFFER® International Inc.; DUOPRO™, STORM™ and VAPORKING® byElectronic Cigarettes, Inc.; EGAR™ by Egar Australia; eGo-C™ and eGo-T™by Joyetech; ELUSION™ by Elusion UK Ltd; EONSMOKE® by Eonsmoke LLC; FIN™by FIN Branding Group, LLC; SMOKE® by Green Smoke Inc. USA; GREENARETTE™by Greenarette LLC; HALLIGAN™, HENDU™, JET™, MAXXQ™, PINK™ and PITBULL™by SMOKE STIK®; HEATBAR™ by Philip Morris International, Inc.; HYDROIMPERIAL™ and LXE™ from Crown7; LOGIC™ and THE CUBAN™ by LOGICTechnology; LUCI® by Luciano Smokes Inc.; METRO® by Nicotek, LLC; NJOY®and ONEJOY™ by Sottera, Inc.; NO. 7™ by SS Choice LLC; PREMIUMELECTRONIC CIGARETTE™ by PremiumEstore LLC; RAPP E-MYSTICK™ by RuyanAmerica, Inc.; RED DRAGON™ by Red Dragon Products, LLC; RUYAN® by RuyanGroup (Holdings) Ltd.; SF® by Smoker Friendly International, LLC; GREENSMART SMOKER® by The Smart Smoking Electronic Cigarette Company Ltd.;SMOKE ASSIST® by Coastline Products LLC; SMOKING EVERYWHERE® by SmokingEverywhere, Inc.; V2CIGS™ by VMR Products LLC; VAPOR NINE™ by VaporNineLLC; VAPOR4LIFE® by Vapor 4 Life, Inc.; VEPPO™ by E-CigaretteDirect,LLC; VUSE® by R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company; Mistic Menthol product byMistic Ecigs; and the Vype product by CN Creative Ltd. Yet otherelectrically powered aerosol delivery devices, and in particular thosedevices that have been characterized as so-called electronic cigarettes,have been marketed under the tradenames COOLER VISIONS™; DIRECT E-CIG™;DRAGONFLY™; EMIST™; EVERSMOKE™; GAMUCCI®; HYBRID FLAME™; KNIGHT STICKS™;ROYAL BLUES™; SMOKETIP®; SOUTH BEACH SMOKE™.

In some instances, the heat or heating profile, produced by theelectrical energy for heating the aerosol-generating element to form anaerosol, is essentially the same regardless of the nature of theaerosol-generating element. Accordingly, there may be some limitationsof such an arrangement, including, for example, decreased battery life,heat-related damage of the aerosol-generating element (i.e., scorching),and/or shortened service life of the aerosol-generating element (i.e.,excess aerosol production per use).

As such, it would be desirable to provide a smoking article with anarrangement for modulating the heat provided to an aerosol-generatingelement of an electrically-powered smoking article in relation to anidentified attribute of the aerosol-generating element. It would also bedesirable that the smoking article comprise an arrangement foridentifying the attribute of the aerosol-generating element andcontrolling the heat output accordingly.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A smoking article for identifying an attribute of an aerosol-generatingelement for adaptive power output and an associated method aredisclosed.

In some aspects, a smoking article comprises an aerosol-generatingelement configured to produce an aerosol in response to heat; a housingdefining a cavity configured to receive the aerosol-generating elementtherein; a heating element operably engaged with the housing andconfigured to provide heat to the aerosol-generating element; a powersource in electrical communication with the heating element andconfigured to provide electrical energy thereto, the heating elementproducing heat in response to the electrical energy; anaerosol-generating element identification device engaged with thehousing and configured to identify, upon actuation thereof, an attributeof the aerosol-generating element; and a control device in communicationwith the aerosol-generating element identification device and configuredto modulate the electrical energy provided to the heating element by thepower source so as to direct the heating element to heat theaerosol-generating element to an aerosolization temperature associatedwith the identified attribute of the aerosol-generating element.

In some other aspects, a method for making a smoking article comprisesoperably engaging a heating element with a housing defining a cavityconfigured to receive an aerosol-generating element therein, the heatingelement being configured to provide heat to the aerosol-generatingelement for the aerosol-generating element to produce an aerosol inresponse thereto; engaging a power source in electrical communicationwith the heating element, the power source being configured to provideelectrical energy to the heating element, and the heating elementproducing heat in response to the electrical energy; engaging anaerosol-generating element identification device with the housing, theaerosol-generating element identification device being configured toidentify, upon actuation thereof, an attribute of the aerosol-generatingelement; and engaging a control device with the aerosol-generatingelement identification device, the control device being configured tomodulate the electrical energy provided to the heating element by thepower source so as to direct the heating element to heat theaerosol-generating element to an aerosolization temperature associatedwith the identified attribute of the aerosol-generating element.

In further aspects, a smoking article comprises a solidaerosol-generating material configured to produce an aerosol in responseto heat; a tubular housing defining a cavity configured to receive thesolid aerosol-generating material therein; a heating element operablyengaged with the tubular housing and configured to provide heat to thesolid aerosol-generating material; a power source in electricalcommunication with the heating element and configured to provideelectrical energy thereto, the heating element producing heat inresponse to the electrical energy; an aerosol-generating elementidentification device engaged with the housing and configured toidentify, upon actuation thereof, an attribute of the solidaerosol-generating material; and a control device in communication withthe aerosol-generating element identification device and configured tomodulate the electrical energy provided to the heating element by thepower source so as to direct the heating element to heat the solidaerosol-generating material to an aerosolization temperature associatedwith the identified attribute of the solid aerosol-generating material.

In still further aspects, a smoking article comprises anaerosol-generating liquid configured to produce an aerosol in responseto heat; a tubular housing having a first end and alongitudinally-opposed second end, the tubular housing including anouter wall defining a cavity configured to receive theaerosol-generating liquid therein; a heating element configured toprovide heat to the aerosol-generating liquid; and a component housinghaving a longitudinal end operably engaged with one of the first andsecond ends of the tubular housing and including: a power source inelectrical communication with the heating element and configured toprovide electrical energy thereto, the heating element producing heat inresponse to the electrical energy; an aerosol-generating elementidentification device engaged with the power source and configured toidentify, upon actuation thereof, an attribute of the aerosol-generatingliquid; and a control device configured to modulate the electricalenergy provided to the heating element so as to direct the heatingelement to heat the aerosol-generating liquid to an aerosolizationtemperature associated with the identified attribute of theaerosol-generating liquid.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure willbe apparent from a reading of the following detailed descriptiontogether with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly describedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the disclosure in the foregoing general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic of an exemplary smoking article in anassembled configuration and including an aerosol-generating elementidentification device according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the smoking article ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic of an exemplary aerosol-generatingelement identification device according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic of a packaging containing a solidaerosol-generating material, the packaging including an attributeidentifier according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic of a packaging of a cartridge containingan aerosol-generating liquid, the packaging including an attributeidentifier according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C illustrates a schematic of the cartridge of FIG. 3B without anyof the aerosol-generating liquid contained therein, the cartridgeincluding an attribute identifier according to an aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary smoking articlein an assembled configuration and including an aerosol-generatingelement identification device according to another aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4B illustrates the cross-sectional view of the smoking article ofFIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic of an exemplary smoking article in adisassembled configuration and including an aerosol-generating elementidentification device according to a still further aspect of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a method flow diagram for a method for making asmoking article according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to exemplary embodiments thereof. These exemplary embodimentsare described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, andwill fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in theart. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure willsatisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification, andin the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The present disclosure provides descriptions of articles (and themanufacture thereof) that use electrical energy to heat a material(preferably without combusting the material to any significant degree)to form an aerosol and/or an inhalable substance; such articles mostpreferably being sufficiently compact to be considered “hand-held”devices. In certain highly preferred aspects, the articles arecharacterized as smoking articles. As used herein, the term “smokingarticle” is intended to mean an article and/or device that provides manyof the sensations (e.g., inhalation and exhalation rituals, types oftastes or flavors, organoleptic effects, physical feel, use rituals,visual cues such as those provided by visible aerosol, and the like) ofsmoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, without any substantial degree ofcombustion of any component of that article and/or device. As usedherein, the term “smoking article” does not necessarily mean that, inoperation, the article or device produces smoke in the sense of anaerosol resulting from by-products of combustion or pyrolysis oftobacco, but rather, that the article or device yields vapors (includingvapors within aerosols that can be considered to be visible aerosolsthat might be considered to be described as smoke-like) resulting fromvolatilization or vaporization of certain components, elements, and/orthe like of the article and/or device. In highly preferred aspects,articles or devices characterized as smoking articles incorporatetobacco and/or components derived from tobacco.

Articles or devices of the present disclosure can also be characterizedas being vapor-producing articles, aerosol delivery articles ormedicament delivery articles. Thus, such articles or devices areadaptable so as to provide one or more substances in an inhalable formor state. For example, inhalable substances can be substantially in theform of a vapor (i.e., a substance that is in the gas phase at atemperature lower than its critical point). Alternatively, inhalablesubstances can be in the form of an aerosol (i.e., a suspension of finesolid particles or liquid droplets in a gas). For purposes ofsimplicity, the term “aerosol” as used herein is meant to includevapors, gases and aerosols of a form or type suitable for humaninhalation, whether or not visible, and whether or not of a form thatmight be considered to be smoke-like.

In use, smoking articles of the present disclosure are subjected to manyof the physical actions of an individual in using a traditional type ofsmoking article (e.g., a cigarette, cigar or pipe that is employed bylighting with a flame and used by inhaling tobacco that is subsequentlyburned and/or combusted). For example, the user of a smoking article ofthe present disclosure can hold that article much like a traditionaltype of smoking article, draw on one end of that article for inhalationof an aerosol produced by that article, and take puffs at selectedintervals of time.

Smoking articles of the present disclosure generally include a number ofcomponents provided within a housing. The overall design of the housingis variable, and the format or configuration of the housing that definesthe overall size and shape of the smoking article is also variable.Typically, a housing resembling the shape of a cigarette or cigar can bea formed from a single, unitary shell; or the housing can be formed oftwo or more separable pieces. For example, a smoking article cancomprise a housing that can be substantially tubular in shape, and assuch, resemble the shape of a conventional cigarette or cigar. In oneaspect, a smoking article can comprise three outer housing components,bodies, or portions that are joined and are separable. For example, asmoking article can include, at one end, a power source portioncomprising a component housing or shell containing one or morecomponents (e.g., a rechargeable battery and/or various electronics,such as a controller, for controlling the operation of the smokingarticle), a mouthpiece portion, and a heat/aerosol-generating portiontherebetween comprising a housing defining a cavity containing one ormore components (e.g., a heating element and a solid tobacco and/ortobacco-related material for producing an aerosol).

In another aspect, a smoking article can comprise three housingcomponents, bodies, or portions that are joined and are separable.Additionally or alternatively, the smoking article may include anadditional housing component configured to be received within one ormore of the three housing components. For example, the smoking articlemay include, at one end, an end cap portion, a mouthpiece portioncomprising a housing containing one or more components (e.g., controlcomponents and/or various electronics for controlling the operation ofthe smoking article), and a power source portion therebetween comprisinga component housing or shell containing one or more components (e.g., arechargeable battery and/or other power source and/or variouselectronics, such as a controller, for controlling the operation of thesmoking article. Additionally or alternatively, the end cap portionand/or the power source portion may be configured to receive aheat/aerosol-generating portion therein comprising a body containing oneor more components (e.g., a solid tobacco and/or tobacco-relatedmaterial for producing an aerosol). Additionally, various smokingarticle designs and component arrangements can be appreciated uponconsideration of the commercially available electronic smoking articles,such as those representative products listed in the background artsection of the present disclosure.

Smoking articles of the present disclosure most preferably comprise somecombination of a power source (e.g., an electrical power source), atleast one control component (e.g., an arrangement for actuating,controlling, regulating and ceasing power for heat generation, such asby controlling electrical current flow from the power source to othercomponents of the article), a heater or heat generation element (e.g.,an electrical resistance heating element or component commonly referredto as an “atomizer”), an aerosol-generating element (e.g., a solidtobacco and/or tobacco-related material, an aerosol-generating liquid,etc.), and a mouth-end region, portion, or tip for allowing draw uponthe smoking article for aerosol inhalation (e.g., a defined air flowpath through the article such that aerosol generated can be withdrawntherefrom upon draw). Alignment of the components within the article isvariable. In specific aspects, the aerosol-generating element isdisposed between a mouth-end region and a power source. Otherconfigurations, however, are not excluded. For example, in some aspects,the power source is disposed between the mouth-end region and theaerosol-generating element.

Generally, the heater component can be positioned sufficiently near theaerosol-generating element so that heat from the heater component canvolatilize the aerosol-generating element (as well as one or moreflavorants, medicaments, or the like that may likewise be provided fordelivery to a user) and form an aerosol for delivery to the user. Whenthe heating element heats the aerosol-generating element, an aerosol isformed, released, or generated in a physical form suitable forinhalation by a consumer. It should be noted that the foregoing termsare meant to be interchangeable such that reference to release,releasing, releases, or released includes form or generate, forming orgenerating, forms or generates, and formed or generated. Specifically,an inhalable substance is released in the form of a vapor or aerosol ormixture thereof. Additionally, the selection of various smoking articlecomponents can be appreciated upon consideration of the commerciallyavailable electronic smoking articles, such as those representativeproducts listed in the background art section of the present disclosure.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a smoking articleincorporates a battery or other electrical power source to provideelectrical current flow sufficient to provide various functionalities tothe article, such as resistive heating, powering of control systems,powering of indicators, and the like. The power source can take onvarious aspects. Preferably, the power source is able to deliversufficient power to rapidly heat the heating element to provide foraerosol formation and power the article through use for the desiredduration of time. The power source preferably is sized to fitconveniently within the article so that the article is easily handled;and additionally, a preferred power source is of a sufficiently lightweight to not detract from a desirable smoking experience.

Examples of useful power sources include lithium ion batteries thatpreferably are rechargeable (e.g., a rechargeable lithium-manganesedioxide battery). In particular, lithium polymer batteries are usable assuch batteries provide increased safety. Other types of batteries—e.g.,N50-AAA CADNICA nickel-cadmium cells—may also be used. Even furtherexamples of batteries that can be used according to the disclosure aredescribed in U.S. Pub. App. No. 2010/0028766 to Peckerar et al., thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Thin film batteries may be used in certain aspects of the disclosure.Any of these batteries or combinations thereof can be used in the powersource, but rechargeable batteries are preferred because of cost anddisposal considerations associated with disposable batteries. In aspectswherein disposable batteries are provided, the smoking article caninclude access for removal and replacement of the battery.Alternatively, in aspects where rechargeable batteries are used, thesmoking article can comprise charging contacts, for interaction withcorresponding contacts in a conventional recharging unit deriving powerfrom a standard 120-volt AC wall outlet, or other sources such as anautomobile electrical system or a separate portable power supply,including USB connections. An arrangement for recharging the battery canbe provided in a portable charging case that can include, for example, arelatively larger battery unit that can provide multiple charges for therelatively smaller batteries present in the smoking article. The smokingarticle further can include components for providing a non-contactinductive recharging system such that the smoking article can be chargedwithout being physically connected to an external power source. Thus,the smoking article can include components to facilitate transfer ofenergy from an electromagnetic field to the rechargeable battery withinthe smoking article.

In some aspects, the power source also can comprise one or morecapacitors. For example, the power source may include a combination ofany number of batteries and/or capacitors. In some aspects, the powersource may include at least one battery and at least one capacitor.Capacitors are capable of discharging more quickly than batteries andare chargeable between puffs, allowing the battery to discharge into thecapacitor at a lower rate than if it were used to power the heatingelement directly. For example, a supercapacitor—i.e., an electricdouble-layer capacitor (EDLC)—may be used separate from or incombination with a battery. When used alone, the supercapacitor may berecharged before each use of the smoking article. Thus, the disclosurealso may include a charger component that can be attached to the smokingarticle between uses to replenish the supercapacitor.

The smoking article can further include a variety of power managementsoftware, hardware, and/or other electronic control components. Forexample, such software, hardware, and/or electronic controls can includesuch functionality as carrying out charging of the battery, detectingthe battery charge and discharge status, performing power saveoperations, preventing unintentional or over-discharge of the battery,and/or the like.

A “controller”, “control component”, “control device”, and/or “controlunit” according to the present disclosure can encompass a variety ofelements useful in the present smoking article. Moreover, a smokingarticle according to the disclosure can include one, two, or even morecontrol units that can be combined into a unitary element or that can bepresent at separate locations within the smoking article, and individualcontrol units can be utilized for carrying out different controlaspects. For example, a smoking article can include a control devicethat is integral to or otherwise combined with a battery so as tocontrol electrical power discharge from the battery. The smoking articleseparately can include a control device that controls other functions ofthe article, such as regulation of the heating component to provide fora particular heating temperature for the aerosol-generating element inconjunction with an aerosol-generating element identification device.Alternatively, a single controller may be provided that carries outmultiple control functions or all control functions of the article.Likewise, a sensor (e.g., a puff and/or draw sensor) used in the articlecan include a control device that controls the actuation of powerdischarge from the power source in response to a stimulus. The smokingarticle separately can include a control device that controls otherfunctions of the article. Alternatively, a single controller may beprovided in or otherwise associated with the sensor for carrying outmultiple control functions or all control functions of the article.Thus, it can be seen that a variety of combinations of controllers maybe combined in the present smoking article to provide the desired levelof control of all functionality of the article.

The smoking article can also comprise one or more control devices usefulfor controlling flow of electrical energy from the power source tofurther components of the article, such as to a heating element.Specifically, the article can comprise a control unit that actuateselectrical current flow from the power source to the heating element.According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the smoking articlecan include a pushbutton that can be linked to a control circuit formanual control of electrical current flow, wherein a consumer can usethe pushbutton to turn on the article and/or to actuate electricalcurrent flow to the heating element. Multiple buttons can be providedfor manual performance of powering the article on and off, and foractivating heating of a heating element such as, for example, aresistive heating element, for aerosol generation. One or morepushbuttons present can be substantially flush with an outer surface ofthe smoking article.

Instead of (or in addition to) the pushbutton, the smoking article caninclude one or more control devices responsive to the consumer's drawingon the article (i.e., puff-actuated heating). For example, the articlemay include a switch that is sensitive either to pressure changes or airflow changes as the consumer draws on the article (i.e., a puff-actuatedswitch). Other suitable current actuation/deactuation mechanisms mayinclude a temperature actuated on/off switch or a lip pressure actuatedswitch. An exemplary mechanism that can provide such puff-actuationcapability includes a Model 163PC01D36 silicon sensor, manufactured bythe MicroSwitch division of Honeywell, Inc., Freeport, Ill. With such asensor, the heating element can be activated rapidly by a change inpressure when the consumer draws on the article. In addition, flowsensing devices, such as those using hot-wire anemometry principles, maybe used to cause the energizing of the heating element sufficientlyrapidly after sensing a change in air flow. A further puff actuatedswitch that may be used is a pressure differential switch, such as ModelNo. MPL-502-V, range A, from Micro Pneumatic Logic, Inc., Ft.Lauderdale, Fla. Another suitable puff actuated mechanism is a sensitivepressure transducer (e.g., equipped with an amplifier or gain stage)which is in turn coupled with a comparator for detecting a predeterminedthreshold pressure. Yet another suitable puff actuated mechanism is avane which is deflected by airflow, the motion of which vane is detectedby a movement sensing arrangement. Yet another suitable actuationmechanism is a piezoelectric switch. Also useful is a suitably connectedHoneywell MicroSwitch Microbridge Airflow Sensor, Part No. AWM 2100Vfrom MicroSwitch Division of Honeywell, Inc., Freeport, Ill. Furtherexamples of demand-operated electrical switches that may be employed ina heating circuit according to the present disclosure are described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al., which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. Other suitable differential switches, analogpressure sensors, flow rate sensors, or the like, will be apparent tothe skilled artisan with the knowledge of the present disclosure. Apressure-sensing tube or other passage providing fluid connectionbetween the puff-actuated switch and an air flow passage within thesmoking article can be included so that pressure changes during draw arereadily identified by the switch. Further description of currentregulating circuits and other control units, including microcontrollersthat can be useful in the present smoking article are provided in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,922,901, 4,947,874, and 4,947,875, all to Brooks et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,560 toFleischhauer et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,314 to Nguyen et al., allof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Capacitive sensing components in particular can be incorporated into thedevice in a variety of manners to allow for diverse types of “power-up”and/or “power-down” for one or more components of the device. Capacitivesensing can include the use of any sensor incorporating technology basedon capacitive coupling including, but not limited to, sensors thatdetect and/or measure proximity, position or displacement, humidity,fluid level, pressure, or acceleration. Capacitive sensing can arisefrom electronic components providing for surface capacitance, projectedcapacitance, mutual capacitance, or self-capacitance. Capacitive sensorsgenerally can detect anything that is conductive or has a dielectricdifferent than that of air. Capacitive sensors, for example, can replacemechanical buttons (i.e., the push-button referenced above) withcapacitive alternatives. Thus, one specific application of capacitivesensing according to the disclosure is a touch capacitive sensor. Forexample, a touchable portion (i.e., a touch pad) can be present on thesmoking article that allows the user to input a variety of commands.Most basically, the touch pad can provide for powering the heatingelement much in the same manner as a push button, as already describedabove. In other aspects, capacitive sensing can be applied near themouth end of the smoking article such that the presence and/or pressureof the lips on the smoking article or draw on the article can signal thedevice to provide power to the heating element. In addition to touchcapacitance sensors, motion capacitance sensors, liquid capacitancesensors, and accelerometers can be utilized according to the disclosureto elicit a variety of response from the smoking article. Further,photoelectric sensors also can be incorporated into the inventivesmoking article.

Sensors utilized in the present smoking articles can expressly signalfor power flow to the heating element so as to heat theaerosol-generating element and form an aerosol for inhalation by a user.Sensors can also provide further functions. For example, a “wake-up”sensor can be included. Other sensing methods providing similar functionlikewise can be utilized according to the disclosure.

When the consumer draws on the mouth end of the smoking article, anactuation mechanism can permit unrestricted or uninterrupted flow ofelectrical current through the heating element to generate heat rapidly.Because of the rapid heating, it can be useful to include currentregulating components to (i) regulate current flow through the heatingelement to control heating of the resistive element and the temperatureexperienced thereby, and (ii) prevent overheating and degradation of theaerosol-generating elements.

The current regulating circuit particularly may be time based.Specifically, such a circuit includes a mechanism for permittinguninterrupted current flow through the heating element for an initialtime period during draw, and a timer device for subsequently regulatingcurrent flow until draw is completed. For example, the subsequentregulation can include the rapid on-off switching of current flow (e.g.,on the order of about every 1 to 50 milliseconds) to maintain theheating element within the desired temperature range. Further,regulation may comprise simply allowing uninterrupted current flow untilthe desired temperature is achieved, and then turning off the currentflow completely. The heating element may be reactivated by the consumerinitiating another puff on the article (or manually actuating thepushbutton, depending upon the specific switch aspect employed foractivating the heater). Alternatively, the subsequent regulation caninvolve the modulation of current flow through the heating element tomaintain the heating element within a desired temperature range. In someaspects, so as to release the desired amount of the inhalable substance,the heating element may be energized for a duration of about 0.2 secondto about 5.0 seconds, about 0.3 second to about 4.5 seconds, about 0.5second to about 4.0 seconds, about 0.5 second to about 3.5 seconds, orabout 0.6 second to about 3.0 seconds. One exemplary time-based currentregulating circuit can include a transistor, a timer, a comparator, anda capacitor. Suitable transistors, timers, comparators, and capacitorsare commercially available and will be apparent to the skilled artisan.Exemplary timers are those available from NEC Electronics as C-1555C andfrom General Electric Intersil, Inc. as ICM7555, as well as variousother sizes and configurations of so-called “555 Timers”. An exemplarycomparator is available from National Semiconductor as LM311. Furtherdescription of such time-based current regulating circuits and othercontrol units that can be useful in the present smoking article areprovided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,922,901, 4,947,874, and 4,947,875, all toBrooks et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

The control units particularly can be configured to closely control theamount of heat provided to the heating element. In some aspects, acurrent regulating component can function to stop current flow to theheating element once a defined temperature has been achieved. Such adefined temperature can be in a range that is substantially high enoughto volatilize the aerosol-generating element and any further inhalablesubstances and provide an amount of aerosol equivalent to a typical puffon a conventional cigarette, as otherwise discussed herein. While theheat needed to volatilize the aerosol-generating element in a sufficientvolume to provide a desired volume for a single puff is variable, it canbe particularly useful for the heating element to heat to a temperatureof about 120° C. or greater, about 130° C. or greater, about 140° C. orgreater, or about 160° C. In some aspects, in order to volatilize anappropriate amount of the aerosol-generating element, the heatingtemperature may be about 180° C. or greater, about 200° C. or greater,about 300° C. or greater, or about 350° C. or greater. In additionalaspects, the defined temperature for aerosol formation can be about 120°C. to about 350° C., about 140° C. to about 300° C., or about 150° C. toabout 250° C. The temperature and time of heating can be controlled byone or more components contained in the smoking article. For example,the temperature may be controlled by one or more components that may beresponsive to a user input so as to provide for a particular desiredtemperature such as, for example, an aerosol-generating element heatingtemperature, a standby temperature, and/or the like. In some aspects,the temperature may be controlled by one or more components that may beresponsive to a user input such that a user may select a desiredaerosol-generating heating temperature based at least upon theconstituent components of the aerosol-generating element. The currentregulating component likewise can cycle the current to the resistiveheating element off and on once a defined temperature has been achievedso as to maintain the defined temperature for a defined period of time.

In some aspects, a smoking article according to the present disclosurecan include an aerosol-generating element identification deviceconfigured to identify, upon actuation thereof, an attribute of theaerosol-generating element (such as an aerosol-generating heatingtemperature, or a heating profile of each of the constituent componentsof the aerosol-generating element) and thereby communicate the attributeto the control device for modulation of the electrical energy providedto the heating element in order to heat the aerosol-generating elementto the desired aerosol-generating heating temperature.

Still further, the current regulating component can cycle the current tothe heating element off and on to maintain a first temperature that isbelow an aerosol forming temperature and then allow an increased currentflow in response to a current actuation control component so as toachieve a second temperature that is greater than the first temperatureand that is an aerosol forming temperature. Such controlling can improvethe response time of the article for aerosol formation such that aerosolformation begins almost instantaneously upon initiation of a puff by aconsumer. According to some aspects, the first temperature (which can becharacterized as a standby temperature) can be only slightly less thanthe aerosol forming temperature defined above. Specifically, the standbytemperature can be about 50° C. to about 150° C., about 70° C. to about140° C., about 80° C. to about 120° C., or about 90° C. to about 110° C.In addition to the above control elements, the smoking article also maycomprise one or more indicators or indicia. Such indicators or indiciamay be lights (e.g., light emitting diodes) that can provide indicationof multiple aspects of use of the inventive article. Further, LEDindicators may be positioned at the distal end of the smoking article tosimulate color changes seen when a conventional cigarette is lit anddrawn on by a user. Other indices of operation are also encompassed bythe present disclosure. For example, visual indicators of operation alsomay include changes in light color or intensity to show progression ofthe smoking experience. Tactile indicators of operation and soundindicators of operation similarly are encompassed by the disclosure.Moreover, combinations of such indicators of operation also may be usedin a single smoking article. According to another aspect, the smokingarticle may include one or more indicators or indicia, such as, forexample, a display configured to provide information corresponding tothe operation of the smoking article such as, for example, the amount ofpower remaining in the power source, progression of the smokingexperience, indication corresponding to activating a heating element,and/or the like.

A smoking article, according to the disclosure, can further comprise aheating element that heats an aerosol-generating element to produce anaerosol for inhalation by a user. In various aspects, the heatingelement can be formed of a material that provides resistive heating whenan electrical current is applied thereto. Preferably, the heatingelement exhibits an electrical resistance making a resistive heatingelement useful for providing a sufficient quantity of heat whenelectrical current flows therethrough. Interaction of the heatingelement with the aerosol-generating element may be through, for example,heat conduction, heat radiation, and/or heat convection.

Electrically conductive materials useful as resistive heating elementscan be those having low mass, low density, and moderate resistivity andthat are thermally stable at the temperatures experienced during use.Useful heating elements heat and cool rapidly, and thus provide for theefficient use of energy. Rapid heating of the element can be beneficialto provide almost immediate volatilization of an aerosol-generatingelement in proximity thereto. Rapid cooling (i.e., to a temperaturebelow the volatilization temperature of the aerosol-generatingelement/component/composition/material) prevents substantialvolatilization (and hence waste) of the aerosol-generating elementduring periods when aerosol formation is not desired. Such heatingelements also permit relatively precise control of the temperature rangeexperienced by the aerosol-generating element, especially when timebased current control is employed. Useful electrically conductivematerials preferably are chemically non-reactive with the materialsbeing heated (e.g., aerosol-generating elements and/or other inhalablesubstance materials) so as not to adversely affect the flavor or contentof the aerosol or vapor that is produced. Exemplary, non-limiting,materials that can be used as the electrically conductive materialinclude carbon, graphite, carbon/graphite composites, metals, metallicand non-metallic carbides, nitrides, silicides, inter-metalliccompounds, cermets, metal alloys, and metal foils. In particular,refractory materials may be useful. Various, different materials can bemixed to achieve the desired properties of resistivity, mass, andthermal conductivity. In specific aspects, metals that can be utilizedinclude, for example, nickel, chromium, alloys of nickel and chromium(e.g., nichrome), and steel. Materials that can be useful for providingresistive heating are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,671 to Counts etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,894 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,498 toDeevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,460 to Sprinkel Jr., et al.; U.S. Pat.No. 5,322,075 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,813 to Deevi et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,936 to Deevi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,850 to Das;U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,656 to Das; U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,855 to Deevi et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,225 to Hajaligol; U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,262 toHajaligol; U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,692 to Das et al.; and U.S. Pat. No.5,591,368 to Fleischhauer et al., the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The heating element can be provided in a variety forms, such as in theform of a foil, a foam, discs, spirals, fibers, wires, films, yarns,strips, ribbons, or cylinders. In some aspects, a resistive heatingelement according to the present disclosure can be a conductivesubstrate, such as that described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2013/0255702 to Griffith et al., the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

Beneficially, a resistive heating element can be provided in a form thatenables the heating element to be positioned in intimate contact with orin close proximity to the aerosol-generating element (i.e., to provideheat to the aerosol-generating element through, for example, conduction,radiation, or convection). In other aspects, a resistive heating elementcan be provided in a form such that the aerosol-generating element canbe positioned proximate to the resistive heating element forsubstantially even distribution of heat for aerosolization of theaerosol-generating element.

In certain aspects, a smoking article according to the presentdisclosure can include an aerosol-generating element that may includetobacco, a tobacco component, or a tobacco-derived material (i.e., amaterial that is found naturally in tobacco that may be isolateddirectly from the tobacco or synthetically prepared). In some aspects,the aerosol-generating element may include a blend of flavorful andaromatic tobaccos in cut filler form. In another aspect, theaerosol-generating element may include a reconstituted tobacco material,such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,809 to Pryor et al.; U.S. Pat.No. 4,889,143 to Pryor et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,814 to Raker, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety. Additionally, a reconstituted tobacco material may include areconstituted tobacco paper described for the type of cigarettesdescribed in Chemical and Biological Studies on New Cigarette Prototypesthat Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco, R. J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyMonograph (1988), the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. For example, a reconstituted tobacco materialmay include a sheet-like material containing tobacco and/ortobacco-related materials. In some aspects, the aerosol-generatingelement may be formed from a wound roll of a reconstituted tobaccomaterial. In another aspect, the aerosol-generating element may beformed from shreds, strips, and/or the like of a reconstituted tobaccomaterial.

According to another aspect, a smoking article according to the presentdisclosure can include an aerosol-generating element that may include aporous, inert material such as, for example, a ceramic material. Inanother aspect, the aerosol-generating element may include a porous,inert material that does not substantially react, chemically and/orphysically, to a tobacco-related material such as, for example, atobacco-derived extract.

Tobacco that may be employed can include, or can be derived from,tobaccos such as flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Oriental tobacco,Maryland tobacco, dark tobacco, dark-fired tobacco and Rustica tobacco,as well as other rare or specialty tobaccos, or blends thereof. Variousrepresentative tobacco types, processed types of tobaccos, and types oftobacco blends are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,224 to Lawson etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,888 to Perfetti et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,537to Brown et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,942 to Brinkley et al.; U.S. Pat.No. 5,220,930 to Gentry; U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,023 to Blakley et al.; U.S.Pat. No. 6,701,936 to Shafer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,730,832 toDominguez et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,011,096 to Li et al.; U.S. Pat. No.7,017,585 to Li et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,025,066 to Lawson et al.; U.S.Pat. App. Pub. No. 2004/0255965 to Perfetti et al.; PCT Pub. No. WO02/37990 to Bereman; and Bombick et al., Fund. Appl. Toxicol., 39, p.11-17 (1997); the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, anaerosol-generating element may include tobacco, a tobacco component,and/or a tobacco-derived material that may be treated, manufactured,produced, and/or processed to incorporate an aerosol-forming material(e.g., humectants such as, for example, propylene glycol, glycerin,and/or the like) and/or at least one flavoring agent, as well as a burnretardant (e.g., diammonium phosphate and/or another salt) configured tohelp prevent ignition, pyrolysis, combustion, and/or scorching of theaerosol-generating element by the heating element. Various manners andmethods for incorporating tobacco into smoking articles, andparticularly smoking articles that are designed so as to notpurposefully burn virtually all of the tobacco within those smokingarticles are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,874 to Brooks et al.; U.S.Pat. No. 7,647,932 to Cantrell et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,079,371 toRobinson et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,290,549 to Banerjee et al.; and U.S.Pat. App. Pub. No. 2007/0215167 to Crooks et al.; the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, flame/burn retardantmaterials and additives that may be included within theaerosol-generating element may include organo-phosophorus compounds,borax, hydrated alumina, graphite, potassium tripolyphosphate,dipentaerythritol, pentaerythritol, and polyols. Others such asnitrogenous phosphonic acid salts, mono-ammonium phosphate, ammoniumpolyphosphate, ammonium bromide, ammonium borate, ethanolammoniumborate, ammonium sulphamate, halogenated organic compounds, thiourea,and antimony oxides may be used but are not preferred agents. In eachaspect of flame-retardant, burn-retardant, and/or scorch-retardantmaterials used in the aerosol-generating element and/or other components(whether alone or in combination with each other and/or othermaterials), the desirable properties most preferably are providedwithout undesirable off-gassing or melting-type behavior.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, theaerosol-generating element can also incorporate tobacco additives of thetype that are traditionally used for the manufacture of tobaccoproducts. Those additives can include the types of materials used toenhance the flavor and aroma of tobaccos used for the production ofcigars, cigarettes, pipes, and the like. For example, those additivescan include various cigarette casing and/or top dressing components.See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,419,015 to Wochnowski; U.S. Pat. No.4,054,145 to Berndt et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,619 to Burcham, Jr. etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,022,416 to Watson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,842 toStrang et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,320 to Martin; the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.Preferred casing materials include water, sugars and syrups (e.g.,sucrose, glucose and high fructose corn syrup), humectants (e.g.glycerin or propylene glycol), and flavoring agents (e.g., cocoa andlicorice). Those added components also include top dressing materials(e.g., flavoring materials, such as menthol). See, for example, U.S.Pat. No. 4,449,541 to Mays et al., the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further materials thatcan be added include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,028 toLawson et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 8,186,360 to Marshall et al., thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

For example, in some aspects, the aerosol-generating element cancomprise one or more different components, such as an aerosol-formingmaterial including, for example, polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin,propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof). Representative types of furtheraerosol-forming materials are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,365 toSensabaugh, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,839 to Jakob et al.; PCT WO98/57556 to Biggs et al.; and Chemical and Biological Studies on NewCigarette Prototypes that Heat Instead of Burn Tobacco, R. J. ReynoldsTobacco Company Monograph (1988); the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference. In some aspects, an aerosol-generatingelement can produce a visible aerosol upon the application of sufficientheat thereto (and cooling with air, if necessary), and theaerosol-generating element can produce an aerosol that can be consideredto be “smoke-like.” In other aspects, the aerosol-generating element canproduce an aerosol that can be substantially non-visible but can berecognized as present by other characteristics, such as flavor ortexture. Thus, the nature of the produced aerosol can vary dependingupon the specific components of the aerosol-generating element. Theaerosol-generating element can be chemically simple relative to thechemical nature of the smoke produced by burning tobacco.

A wide variety of types of flavoring agents, or materials that alter thesensory or organoleptic character or nature of the mainstream aerosol ofthe smoking article can be employed. Such flavoring agents can beprovided from sources other than tobacco and can be natural orartificial in nature. Of particular interest are flavoring agents thatare applied to, or incorporated within, the aerosol-generating elementand/or those regions of the smoking article where an aerosol isgenerated. Again, such agents can be supplied directly to a heatingcavity proximate to the resistive heating element or may be providedwith the aerosol-generating element. Exemplary flavoring agents includevanillin, ethyl vanillin, cream, tea, coffee, fruit (e.g., apple,cherry, strawberry, peach and citrus flavors, including lime and lemon),maple, menthol, mint, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, nutmeg, clove,lavender, cardamom, ginger, honey, anise, sage, cinnamon, sandalwood,jasmine, cascarilla, cocoa, licorice, and flavorings and flavor packagesof the type and character traditionally used for the flavoring ofcigarette, cigar, and pipe tobaccos. Syrups, such as high fructose cornsyrup, also can be employed. Flavoring agents also can include acidic orbasic characteristics (e.g., organic acids, such as levulinic acid,succinic acid, and pyruvic acid). The flavoring agents can be combinedwith the aerosol-generating material if desired. Exemplary plant-derivedcompositions that may be used are disclosed in U.S. App. Pub. Nos.2012/0152265 and 2012/0192880 both to Dube et al., the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Theselection of such further components are variable based upon factorssuch as the sensory characteristics that are desired for the presentarticle, and the present disclosure is intended to encompass any suchfurther components that may be readily apparent to those skilled in theart of tobacco and tobacco-related or tobacco-derived products. See,Gutcho, Tobacco Flavoring Substances and Methods, Noyes Data Corp.(1972) and Leffingwell et al., Tobacco Flavoring for Smoking Products(1972), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

Any of the materials, such as flavorings, casings, and the like that canbe useful in combination with a tobacco material to affect sensoryproperties thereof, including organoleptic properties, such as alreadydescribed herein, may be combined with the aerosol-generating element.Organic acids particularly may be incorporated into theaerosol-generating element to affect the flavor, sensation, ororganoleptic properties of medicaments, such as nicotine, that may becombined with the aerosol-generating element. For example, organicacids, such as levulinic acid, lactic acid, and pyruvic acid, may beincluded in the aerosol-generating element with nicotine in amounts upto being equimolar (based on total organic acid content) with thenicotine. Any combination of organic acids can be used. For example, theaerosol-generating element can include about 0.1 to about 0.5 moles oflevulinic acid per one mole of nicotine, about 0.1 to about 0.5 moles ofpyruvic acid per one mole of nicotine, about 0.1 to about 0.5 moles oflactic acid per one mole of nicotine, or combinations thereof, up to aconcentration wherein the total amount of organic acid present isequimolar to the total amount of nicotine present in theaerosol-generating element. Various additional examples of organic acidsemployed to produce an aerosol-generating element are described in U.S.Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0344456 to Dull et al., which is incorporatedherein in its entirety by reference.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, theaerosol-generating element may be configured as an extruded structureand/or substrate that may include, or may essentially be comprised oftobacco, tobacco-related material, glycerin, water, and/or a bindermaterial, although certain formulations may exclude the binder material.The binder material may be any binder material commonly used for tobaccoformulations including, for example, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), gum(e.g. guar gum), xanthan, pullulan, and/or an alginate. According tosome aspects, the binder material included in the aerosol-generatingelement may be configured to substantially maintain a structural shapeand/or integrity of the aerosol-generating element. Variousrepresentative binders, binder properties, usages of binders, andamounts of binders are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,887 to Raker etal., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In another aspect, the aerosol-generating element may include aplurality of microcapsules, beads, granules, and/or the like having atobacco-related material. For example, a representative microcapsule maybe generally spherical in shape, and may have an outer cover or shellthat contains a liquid center region of a tobacco-derived extract and/orthe like. In some aspects, the aerosol-generating element may include aplurality of microcapsules substantially formed into a hollowcylindrical shape. In one aspect, the aerosol-generating element mayinclude a binder material configured to substantially maintain thestructural shape and/or integrity of the plurality of microcapsulessubstantially formed into the hollow cylindrical shape.

In some aspects, the aerosol-generating element may be configured as anextruded material, as described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2012/0042885to Stone et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. In yet another aspect, the aerosol-generating element mayinclude an extruded structure and/or substrate formed from marumarizedand/or non-marumarized tobacco. Marumarized tobacco is known, forexample, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,831 to Banerjee, et al., which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Marumarized tobaccomay include about 20 to about 50 percent (by weight) tobacco blend inpowder form, with glycerol (at about 20 to about 30 percent weight),calcium carbonate (generally at about 10 to about 60 percent by weight,often at about 40 to about 60 percent by weight), along with binderagents, as described herein, and/or flavoring agents.

The aerosol-generating element may take on a variety of conformationsbased upon the various amounts of materials utilized therein. Forexample, a useful aerosol-generating element may comprise up to about98% by weight up to about 95% by weight, or up to about 90% by weight ofa tobacco and/or tobacco material. A useful aerosol-generating elementalso can comprise up to about 25% by weight, about 20% by weight orabout 15% by weight water—particularly about 2% to about 25%, about 5%to about 20%, or about 7% to about 15% by weight water. Flavors and thelike (which can include medicaments, such as nicotine) can comprise upto about 10%, up to about 8%, or up to about 5% by weight of theaerosol-generating element.

Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol-generating element may beconfigured as an extruded structure and/or a substrate that may includeor may essentially be comprised of tobacco, glycerin, water, and/orbinder material, and may be further configured to substantially maintainits structure throughout the aerosol-generating process. That is, theaerosol-generating element may be configured to substantially maintainits shape (i.e., the aerosol-generating element does not continuallydeform under an applied shear stress) throughout the aerosol-generatingprocess. Although the aerosol-generating element may include liquidsand/or may have some moisture content, the aerosol-generating elementremains substantially solid throughout the aerosol-generating processand substantially maintains structural integrity throughout theaerosol-generating process. Exemplary tobacco and/or tobacco relatedmaterials suitable for a substantially solid aerosol-generating elementare described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0157052 to Ademe et al.;U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2015/0335070 to Sears et al.; U.S. Pat. No.6,204,287 to White; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,676 to Hearn et al., whichare all incorporated herein in their entirety by reference respectively.

Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol-generating element may beconfigured as a liquid capable of yielding an aerosol upon applicationof sufficient heat, having ingredients commonly referred to as “smokejuice,” “e-liquid” and “e-juice”. Exemplary formulations for anaerosol-generating liquid that may be used according to the presentdisclosure are described in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2013/0008457 to Zheng etal., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

The amount of aerosol-generating element that is used within the smokingarticle is such that the article exhibits acceptable sensory andorganoleptic properties, and desirable performance characteristics. Forexample, it is highly preferred that sufficient aerosol-forming materialsuch as, for example, glycerin and/or propylene glycol, be employedwithin the aerosol-generating element in order to provide for thegeneration of a visible mainstream aerosol that in many regardsresembles the appearance of tobacco smoke. Typically, the amount ofaerosol-forming material incorporated into the aerosol-generatingelement of the smoking article is in the range of about 1.5 g or less,about 1 g or less, or about 0.5 g or less.

The amount of aerosol-generating element can be dependent upon factorssuch as the number of puffs desired per cartridge used with the smokingarticle. It is desirable for the aerosol-generating element not tointroduce significant degrees of unacceptable off-taste, filmymouth-feel, or an overall sensory experience that is significantlydifferent from that of a traditional type of cigarette that generatesmainstream smoke by burning tobacco cut filler. The selection of theparticular aerosol-forming material, the amounts of those componentsused, and the types of tobacco material used, can be altered in order tocontrol the overall chemical composition of the aerosol produced by theaerosol-generating element of the smoking article.

In further aspects, heating can be characterized in relation to theamount of aerosol to be generated. Specifically, the smoking article canbe configured to provide an amount of heat necessary to generate adefined volume of aerosol (e.g., about 0.5 ml to about 100 ml, or anyother volume deemed useful in a smoking article, such as otherwisedescribed herein). In certain instances, the amount of heat generatedcan be measured in relation to a two second puff providing about 35 mlof aerosol at a heater temperature of about 290° C. In some aspects, thearticle preferably can provide about 1 to about 50 Joules of heat persecond (J/s), about 2 J/s to about 40 J/s, about 3 J/s to about 35 J/s,or about 5 J/s to about 30 J/s.

The heating element preferably is in electrical connection with thepower source of the smoking article such that electrical energy can beprovided to the heating element to produce heat and subsequentlyaerosolize the aerosol-generating element and any other inhalablesubstance provided by the smoking article. Such electrical connectioncan be permanent (e.g., hard wired) or can be removable (e.g., wherein aresistive heating element is provided in a body or portion that can beattached to and detached from a power source).

Although a variety of materials for use in a smoking article accordingto the present disclosure have been described above—such as heaters,batteries, capacitors, switching components, aerosol-generatingelements, aerosol-forming materials, and/or the like, the disclosureshould not be construed as being limited to only the exemplifiedaspects. Rather, one of skill in the art can recognize based on thepresent disclosure similar components in the field that may beinterchanged with any specific component of the present disclosure. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,261,424 to Sprinkel, Jr. disclosespiezoelectric sensors that can be associated with the mouth-end of adevice to detect user lip activity associated with taking a draw andthen trigger heating; U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,148 to McCafferty et al.discloses a puff sensor for controlling energy flow into a heating loadarray in response to pressure drop through a mouthpiece; U.S. Pat. No.5,967,148 to Harris et al. discloses receptacles in a smoking devicethat include an identifier that detects a non-uniformity in infraredtransmissivity of an inserted component and a controller that executes adetection routine as the component is inserted into the receptacle; U.S.Pat. No. 6,040,560 to Fleischhauer et al. describes a defined executablepower cycle with multiple differential phases; U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,289to Watkins et al. discloses photonic-optronic components; U.S. Pat. No.5,954,979 to Counts et al. discloses means for altering draw resistancethrough a smoking device; U.S. Pat. No. 6,803,545 to Blake et al.discloses specific battery configurations for use in smoking devices;U.S. Pat. No. 7,293,565 to Griffen et al. discloses various chargingsystems for use with smoking devices; U.S. Pat. No. 8,402,976 toFernando et al. discloses computer interfacing means for smoking devicesto facilitate charging and allow computer control of the device; andU.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2010/0163063 to Fernando et al. disclosesidentification systems for smoking devices; all of the foregoingdisclosures being incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.Further examples of components related to electronic aerosol deliveryarticles and disclosing materials or components that may be used in thepresent article include U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,217 to Gerth et al.; U.S.Pat. No. 5,249,586 to Morgan et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,977 to Higginset al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,176 to Adams et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,204,287to White; U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,218 to Voges; U.S. Pat. No. 6,810,883 toFelter et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,461 to Nichols; U.S. Pat. No.7,832,410 to Hon; U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,253 to Kobayashi; U.S. Pat. No.7,896,006 to Hamano; U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,756 to Shayan; U.S. Pat. Nos.8,156,944, 8,375,957 to Hon; U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 2006/0196518 and2009/0188490 to Hon; U.S. Pat. No. 8,794,231 to Thorens et al.; U.S.Pat. Nos. 8,915,254 and 8,925,555 to Monsees et al.; U.S. Pat. No.8,851,083 and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0024834 to Oglesby et al.; U.S.Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0307518 to Wang; and WO 2010/091593 to Hon. A varietyof the materials disclosed by the foregoing documents may beincorporated into the present devices in various aspects, and all of theforegoing disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

Although a smoking article according to the disclosure may take on avariety of aspects, as discussed in detail below, the use of the smokingarticle by a consumer will be similar in scope. The foregoingdescription of use of the smoking article can be applied to the variousaspects described through minor modifications, which can be apparent tothe person of skill in the art in light of the further disclosureprovided herein. The above description of use, however, is not intendedto limit the use of the inventive article but is provided to comply withall necessary requirements of disclosure herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an exemplary smoking article 100 isillustrated. In some aspects, the smoking article 100 generallycomprises a mouthpiece portion 110, a housing 120 defining a cavity 122associated with a heating element 130, and a component housing 140 thatincludes a power source 150, an aerosol-generating elementidentification device 160, and a control device 170. In some aspects,the component housing 140 and the housing 120 are separately formed suchthat the heating element 130, the power source 150, theaerosol-generating element identification device 160, and/or the controldevice 170 are discretely disposed in just the housing 120 or in justthe component housing 140, such that the housing 120 and the componenthousing 140 are readily separable. In other aspects, one or more of theheating element 130, the power source 150, the aerosol-generatingelement identification device 160, and/or the control device 170 areincluded in an integrally formed housing unit.

The mouthpiece portion 110 of the smoking article 100, in some examples,defines a mouth-engaging end (i.e., the end upon which a consumer drawsto inhale aerosol from the smoking article) and a housing-engaging endthat is longitudinally opposed to the mouth-engaging end. In someaspects, the mouthpiece portion 110 is engaged with the housing 120 suchthat the housing-engaging end is either permanently (i.e., is integrallyformed) or removably engaged with the housing 120. An interior of themouthpiece portion 110 defines at least one orifice therethough toprovide a mouthpiece channel 112 through the mouthpiece portion 110 andinto the housing 120, when engaged therewith. A filtration material (notshown) is, in some aspects, capable of being received within themouthpiece portion 110.

The housing 120 defines, in some aspects, a first, mouthpiece-engagingend and a second, longitudinally-opposed component-engaging end, whichmay be configured to operably engage a tubular housing-engaging end ofthe component housing 140. An inlet defined either in the componenthousing 140 or in the housing 120 enables air to be drawn into thesmoking article 100. For example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B,an inlet or orifice 142 is defined in the component housing 140. In thisinstance, upon engagement with the component housing 140, an air flowpassageway 124 is defined between the cavity 122 of the housing 120 andan interior of the component housing 140. The air flow passageway 124 isarranged and configured to fluidly connect and communicate with aninterior of the component housing 140 so as to provide for air to bedrawn into the cavity 122 via at least one orifice 142 defined withinthe component housing 140. Further, the mouthpiece channel 112 is alsoin fluid communication, via the cavity 122, with the air flow passageway124. Accordingly, in response to a draw upon the mouth-engaging end ofthe mouthpiece portion 110, air, in turn, is drawn through the at leastone orifice 142, through the interior of the component housing 140,through the air flow passageway 124, into the cavity 122 of the housing120.

In another example, an inlet or orifice (not illustrated) is defined inthe housing 120. This inlet or orifice is in fluid communication with aninterior of the housing 120 or the cavity 122 such that in response to adraw upon the mouth-engaging end of the mouthpiece portion 110, air, inturn, is drawn through the orifice defined the housing 120 and into thecavity 122 of the housing 120.

Regardless of the disposition of the inlet or orifice within the smokingarticle, the air drawn into the smoking article is configured to bedrawn into the cavity 122 so as to interact with the aerosol-generatingelement 180 and/or the heating element 130. Within the cavity 122 of thehousing 120, the air is mixed with the aerosol generated by theaerosol-generating element 180 and the aerosol/air mixture istransported through the mouthpiece channel 112 to the mouth-engaging endof the mouthpiece portion 110.

The aerosol-generating element 180 is configured to produce an aerosolin response to heat. As is known to those of skill in the art, theaerosol-generating element 180 may be comprised of two or moreconstituent components wherein each has a different aerosolizationtemperature. As such, identification of the constituent components ofthe aerosol-generating element 180 may allow optimization of the heatingof the aerosol-generating element 180 based on those constituentcomponents. As previously mentioned, the constituent components of theaerosol-generating element 180 include, in some aspects, tobacco, atobacco component, or a tobacco-derived material (i.e., a material thatis found naturally in tobacco that may be isolated directly from thetobacco or synthetically prepared). The tobacco that is employedincludes, or is derivable from, tobaccos such as flue-cured tobacco,burley tobacco, Oriental tobacco, Maryland tobacco, dark tobacco,dark-fired tobacco and Rustica tobacco, as well as other rare orspecialty tobaccos, or blends thereof. In another aspect, theconstituent components of the aerosol-generating element 180 includetobacco and/or tobacco-related material and an additional flavoringagent and/or other material that alters the sensory or organolepticcharacter or nature of the mainstream aerosol of the smoking article100. Such flavoring agents are providable from sources other thantobacco and are natural or artificial in nature. In some aspects,flavoring agents are applied to, or incorporated within, theaerosol-generating element 180 and/or those regions of the smokingarticle 100 where an aerosol is generated (i.e., the cavity 122).

Although, in some aspects, flavoring agents are directly applied to theaerosol-generating element 180 and/or the cavity 122, in other aspects,a flavoring agent is providable by a separate substrate that is disposedproximate to the aerosol-generating element 180 and/or proximate to thecavity 122. Exemplary flavoring agents include vanillin, ethyl vanillin,cream, tea, coffee, fruit (e.g., apple, cherry, strawberry, peach andcitrus flavors, including lime and lemon), maple, menthol, mint,peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, nutmeg, clove, lavender, cardamom,ginger, honey, anise, sage, cinnamon, sandalwood, jasmine, cascarilla,cocoa, licorice, and flavorings and flavor packages of the type andcharacter traditionally used for the flavoring of cigarette, cigar, andpipe tobaccos. Syrups, such as high fructose corn syrup, also areemployable. Flavoring agents also include in some aspects acidic orbasic characteristics (e.g., organic acids, such as levulinic acid,succinic acid, and pyruvic acid).

Notably, depending on the type of smoking article (e.g., an electroniccigarette, a ‘heat not-burn (HNB), etc.), the aerosol-generating element180 is variable in its format, constituent components, composition,delivery method, receptacle, etc. In some examples, theaerosol-generating element 180 comprises an annular tobacco plugconfigured to be removably received within the cavity 122 of the housing120. In this instance, the annular tobacco plug is formed as a solidtobacco and/or tobacco-related material, and is constructed as a hollowcylinder extrudate, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, to be described in moredetail below. In another example, the aerosol-generating element 180comprises, an aerosol-generating liquid received in a cartridge, thecartridge being removably engaged or otherwise refillable andpermanently engaged with the housing 120. In this instance, theaerosol-generating liquid is formed as an e-liquid, as illustrated inFIG. 3B, to be described in more detail below.

The housing 120 defining the cavity 122 of the smoking article 100 isconfigured, in some aspects, to receive the aerosol-generating element180 therein. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, the housing 120 has in someaspects a substantially round cross-section; however, othercross-sectional shapes (e.g., oval, square, triangle, etc.) also areencompassed by the present disclosure. Regardless, the cavity 122defined by the housing 120 is generally dependent on the cross-sectionof the housing 120, such that a tubular housing results in asubstantially cylindrical cavity 122 having a substantially roundcross-section. Therefore, aerosol-generating element 180 (e.g., anannular tobacco plug, an aerosol-generating liquid received in acylindrical cartridge, etc.) is, for example, configured with a diameteror otherwise a cross-sectional area that enables the aerosol-generatingelement 180 to be received within the cavity 122 and subsequently heatedto produce an aerosol.

In some aspects, the heating element 130 is operably engaged with thehousing 120 and is configured to provide heat to the aerosol-generatingelement 180. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, for example, the heating element130 is disposed within the cavity 122; however, in other examples, theheating element 130 is provided in the component housing 140 orotherwise in the housing 120 (i.e., surrounding a wall defining thecavity 122). In some instances, the heating element 130 comprises aresistive heating element (e.g., a resistive coil), though other typesof heating elements (i.e., induction, microwave, radiative, etc.) arealso contemplated, as necessary or desired.

The power source 150 is configured to be, in some aspects, in electricalcommunication with the heating element 130 and to provide electricalenergy thereto. In this manner, the heating element 130 is configured toproduce heat in response to the electrical energy. As illustrated inFIG. 1B, the power source 150 is included in the component housing 140along with the control device 170, which are arranged in a variety oforders therein. The power source 150 comprises, in some aspects, arechargeable or replaceable battery or any other type of power storageunit. Otherwise, in some aspects, the power source 150 comprises aninductive coil or any other type of power producer.

Although not expressly shown, it is understood that the smoking article100, and the component housing 140 in particular, include wiring orother conductor arrangements, as necessary, to provide electricalcurrent from the power source 150 to the additional components and tointerconnect the components for appropriate operation of the necessaryfunctions provided by the smoking article 100. For example, the smokingarticle 100 includes wiring (not shown) within the component housing 140and/or the housing 120 as necessary to provide electrical current fromthe power source 150 of the component housing 140 to the heating element130 located within the housing 120. According to another aspect of thepresent disclosure, for example, the smoking article 100 includes wiringor other conductor arrangements (not shown) within the component housing140 and/or housing 120 as necessary to provide electrical current fromthe power source 150, to the aerosol-generating element identificationdevice 160, as well as to any of one or more status indicators and/orother indicia positioned on or disposed within any one or a combinationof the mouthpiece portion 110, housing 120, and/or component housing140.

In some aspects, the aerosol-generating element identification device160 is engaged with the housing 120 and is configured to identify, uponactuation thereof, an attribute of the aerosol-generating element 180selected for use with the smoking article 100. Engagement of theaerosol-generating element identification device 160 comprises, forexample, engagement with the housing 120, the component housing 140, orthe mouthpiece portion 110. For example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1A,1B, the aerosol-generating element identification device 160 is flush orsubstantially flush with the housing 120. Otherwise, theaerosol-generating element identification device 160 protrudes from thehousing 120, the component housing 140, or the mouthpiece portion 110 ina manner not unduly burdensome to the consumer.

An exemplary aerosol-generating element identification device 200 isillustrated in FIG. 2. In some instances, the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 200 is similar to the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 160 described above in reference to theaerosol-generating element identification device in FIGS. 1A, 1B. Insome aspects, the aerosol-generating element identification device 200is configured with at least one hardware processor (e.g., processorunit) 202 connected to memory (e.g., storage device) 204. Generally, theprocessor 202 is any piece of computer hardware that is capable ofprocessing information such as, for example, data, computer programs,and/or other suitable electronic information. The processor 202 iscomprised of a collection of electronic circuits, some of which may bepackaged as an integrated circuit or multiple interconnected integratedcircuits (an integrated circuit at times more commonly referred to as a“chip”). The processor 202 may be configured to execute computerprograms, which may be stored onboard the processor or otherwise storedin the memory (of the same or another apparatus).

The processor 202 may be a number of processors, a multi-processor coreor some other type of processor, depending on the particularimplementation. Further, the processor 202 may be implemented using anumber of heterogeneous processor systems in which a main processor ispresent with one or more secondary processors on a single chip. Asanother illustrative example, the processor 202 is a symmetricmulti-processor system containing multiple processors of the same type.In yet another example, the processor 202 is embodied as or otherwiseincludes one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs),field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or the like. Thus, although theprocessor 202 is capable of executing a computer program to perform oneor more functions, the processor of various examples is capable ofperforming one or more functions without the aid of a computer program.

The memory 204 is generally any piece of computer hardware that iscapable of storing information such as, for example, data, computerprograms (e.g., computer-readable program code) and/or other suitableinformation either on a temporary basis and/or a permanent basis. Thememory 204 may include volatile and/or non-volatile memory, and may befixed or removable. Examples of suitable memory 204 include randomaccess memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard drive, a flashmemory, a thumb drive, a removable computer diskette, an optical disk, amagnetic tape or some combination of the above. Optical disks mayinclude compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk-read/write(CD-R/W), DVD or the like. In various instances, the memory 204 isreferred to as a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readablestorage medium 204 is a non-transitory device capable of storinginformation, and is distinguishable from computer-readable transmissionmedia such as electronic transitory signals capable of carryinginformation from one location to another. A computer-readable medium asdescribed herein may generally refer to a computer-readable storagemedium or computer-readable transmission medium.

As indicated above, program code instructions (e.g., an algorithm) maybe stored in the memory 204, and executed by the processor 202, toimplement functions of the smoking article described herein. As will beappreciated, any suitable program code instructions may be loaded onto acomputer or other programmable apparatus from a computer-readablestorage medium to produce a particular machine, such that the particularmachine implements the functions specified herein. These program codeinstructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage mediumthat can direct a computer, a processor or other programmable apparatusto function in a particular manner to thereby generate a particularmachine or particular article of manufacture. The instructions stored inthe computer-readable storage medium may produce an article ofmanufacture, where the article of manufacture implements functionsdescribed herein. The program code instructions may be retrieved from acomputer-readable storage medium and loaded into a computer, processoror other programmable apparatus to configure the computer, processor orother programmable apparatus to execute operations to be performed on orby the computer, processor or other programmable apparatus.

Retrieval, loading and execution of the program code instructions may beperformed sequentially such that one instruction is retrieved, loadedand executed at a time. In some example implementations, retrieval,loading and/or execution may be performed in parallel such that multipleinstructions are retrieved, loaded, and/or executed together. Executionof the program code instructions may produce a computer-implementedprocess such that the instructions executed by the computer, processoror other programmable apparatus provide operations for implementingfunctions described herein.

Execution of instructions by the processor 202, or storage ofinstructions in the computer-readable storage medium 204, supportscombinations of operations for performing the specified functions. Inthis manner, the aerosol-generating element identification device 160described in conjunction with the smoking article 100 includes theprocessor 202 and the computer-readable storage medium or memory 204coupled to the processor 202, where the processor 202 is configured toexecute an algorithm stored in the memory 204. It will also beunderstood that one or more functions, and combinations of functions,may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systemsand/or processors which perform the specified functions, or combinationsof special purpose hardware and program code instructions.

Referring back to FIGS. 1A, 1B, in some exemplary implementations, theaerosol-generating element identification device 160 comprises anattribute identification detector configured to detect an attributeidentifier identifying an attribute of the aerosol-generating element180. In some examples, the attribute of the aerosol-generating element180 is encoded (i.e., stored) within the attribute identifier. Theattribute identifier comprises, for example, a Universal Product Code(UPC) barcode, a QR-Code, or a radio-frequency identification (RFID)device identifying the attribute of the aerosol-generating element 180.An attribute of the aerosol-generating element 180 stored within theattribute identifier is, in some aspects, selected from the groupconsisting of constituent components (e.g., flavors, tobacco-derivednicotine, water, glycerol, propylene glycol) of the aerosol-generatingelement, a heating profile of each constituent component of theaerosol-generating element, a maximum aerosolization temperature betweenthe constituent components of the aerosol-generating element, a wattagefor controlling the power source relative to the maximum aerosolizationtemperature between the constituent components of the aerosol-generatingelement, and combinations thereof. For example, the attribute of theaerosol-generating element 180 stored within an attribute identifiercomprises the constituent components of the aerosol-generating element180, which include a tobacco-derived nicotine, a flavor, and assortedother ingredients, e.g., 4.8% nicotine, glycerol, water, propyleneglycol, and natural and artificial flavorings. In this manner, theattribute identifier identifying the attribute is provided on apackaging of the aerosol-generating element 180 for detection by theattribute identification detector.

More particularly, for example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, anattribute identifier (i.e., an exemplary QR-code) is provided onexemplary packaging. In particular, in FIG. 3A, a schematic generallyindicated as reference numeral 300A illustrates packaging 302A. Thepackaging 302A is any type of packaging sufficient to contain anaerosol-generating material, such as a solid aerosol-generating material180A, e.g., an annular tobacco plug. An attribute identifier 304A is, asillustrated in FIG. 3A, for example, provided on the packaging 302A ofthe solid aerosol-generating material 180A.

FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic generally indicated as reference numeral300B. In FIG. 3B, a packaging 302B is provided, which, in some aspects,is any type of packaging of a tubular housing or cartridge 306 forcontaining an aerosol-generating material, such as an aerosol-generatingliquid 180B, e.g., an e-liquid. An attribute identifier 304B is, asillustrated in FIG. 3B, for example, provided on the packaging 302B ofthe cartridge 306 of the aerosol-generating liquid 180B. In FIG. 3C, aschematic generally indicated as reference numeral 300C is provided. InFIG. 3C, the cartridge 306 of FIG. 3B is illustrated. In comparison withFIG. 3B, in FIG. 3C, an attribute identifier 304C corresponding to theattribute identifier 304B provided on the packaging of the cartridge 306is also provided on the cartridge 306, itself. In other aspects, (notshown), the cartridge 306 illustrated in FIGS. 3B, 3C is configured tobe refillable to receive the aerosol-generating liquid 180B therein. Thecartridge 306 is configured to receive the aerosol-generating liquid180B from a refill container that comprises its own attributeidentifier. In this manner, the cartridge 306 is able to be refillableto receive different aerosol-generating liquids 180B from differentrefill containers, where the refill containers provide identifiableinformation regarding the aerosol-generating liquid 180B containedtherein.

Referring back to FIGS. 1A, 1B, the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 160 in the form of the attribute identificationdetector comprises, for example, a camera, a wireless transceiver, or ascanner configured to detect, upon actuation thereof, the attributeidentifier (e.g., 304A-304C, FIGS. 3A-3C), in order to identify theattribute of the aerosol-generating element 180 associated therewith,and to communicate the identification of the attribute to the controldevice 170. The attribute identification detector is actuatable, in someaspects, upon recognition of the attribute identifier (e.g., automaticoptical recognition of the QR-Code). Otherwise, an actuation mechanismlinked to the attribute identification detector and/or the smokingarticle 100, itself, renders the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 160 able to detect the attribute identifier. Thus,in some aspects, the control device 170 is configured to be incommunication with the aerosol-generating element identification device160 to modulate the electrical energy provided to the heating element130 by the power source 150, in response to the identified attribute, soas to direct the heating element 130 to heat the aerosol-generatingelement 180 to an aerosolization temperature associated with theidentified attribute of the aerosol-generating element 180.

In some aspects, the component housing 140 includes additional wiring orother conductor arrangements as necessary to provide electrical currentfrom the power source 150 to the control device 170 and provideelectrical connections between the control device 170 and the heatingelement 130 and/or the aerosol-generating element identification device160 so as to enable the control device 170 to modulate the electricalenergy provided to the heating element 130 by the power source 150. Inspecific aspects, the smoking article 100 includes an electrical circuitwherein the control device 170 associated with the electrical circuitdelivers, controls, or otherwise modulates the electrical energyprovided to the heating element 130 by the power source 150, in responseto the identified attribute, so as to direct the heating element 130 toheat the aerosol-generating element 180 to an aerosolization temperatureassociated with the identified attribute of the aerosol-generatingelement 180.

More particularly, the electrical circuit associated with the controldevice 170 includes appropriate wiring or other appropriate electricalconductors electrically connecting the control device 170 and theaerosol-generating element identification device 160. As such,identification by the aerosol-generating element identification device160 of an attribute of the aerosol-generating element causes theidentified attribute to be transmitted to the control device 170 so thatthe control device 170 can modulate the electrical energy provided tothe heating element 130.

In some exemplary implementations, the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 160 does not comprise an attribute identificationdetector configured to detect an attribute identifier on a package ofthe aerosol-generating element 180. Rather, and referring back to theexemplary aerosol-generating element identification device 160, theprocessor 202 of the aerosol-generating element identification device160, 200 is configured in some examples to execute an algorithm storedin the memory 204 that causes the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 160 to identify, upon actuation thereof, anattribute of the aerosol-generating element 180. For example, executionof the algorithm results in elemental analysis of the aerosol-generatingelement 180 as directed by the aerosol-generating element identificationdevice 160. In such an instance, elemental analysis includesspectroscopy, chemical analysis, spectrometry, x-ray, or a combinationthereof, to identify the attribute of the aerosol-generating element180. Devices associated with such elemental analysis (e.g., probes,x-ray tubes, etc.,) are, in some aspects, in communication with theprocessor 202 of the aerosol-generating element identification device160 to perform the elemental analysis. The attribute identifiable by theelemental analysis includes, for example, constituent components (e.g.,a flavor, nicotine) of the aerosol-generating element 180, a heatingprofile of each constituent component of the aerosol-generating element180, a maximum aerosolization temperature between the constituentcomponents of the aerosol-generating element 180, a wattage forcontrolling the power source relative to the maximum aerosolizationtemperature between the constituent components of the aerosol-generatingelement 180, and combinations thereof.

In some aspects, the processor 202 of the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 160 is configured to execute an algorithm storedin the memory 204 upon actuation of an actuation mechanism (not shown)associated with the smoking article 100 and/or the aerosol-generatingelement identification device 160, itself. Otherwise, receipt of theaerosol-generating element 180 in the cavity 122, as indicated by asensor, for example, actuates the processor 202 to begin execution ofthe algorithm stored in the memory 204. Other manners of actuating theprocessor 202 to begin executing the algorithm are also contemplatedherein. Regardless, the attribute identified from the executed algorithmis configured to be stored, in some aspects, by the memory 204 forfurther analysis and/or comparison.

In other examples, the processor 202 is configured to execute analgorithm stored in the memory 204 that causes the aerosol-generatingelement identification device 160 to determine a maximum aerosolizationtemperature between constituent components identified by theaerosol-generating element 180. Using the identified attribute of theconstituent components thereof, the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 160 is able to compare aerosolization temperaturesbetween the constituent components of the aerosol-generating element 180and determine the maximum aerosolization temperature between theconstituent components.

In still further examples, the processor 202 is configured to execute analgorithm stored in the memory 204 that causes the aerosol-generatingelement identification device 160 to communicate the determined maximumaerosolization temperature to the control device 170. As such, in thisinstance, the control device 170 is configured to modulate theelectrical energy provided to the heating element 130 by the powersource 150 in response to the determined maximum aerosolizationtemperature. It is desirable to enable modulated heat output to theaerosol-generating element 180 based on a maximum aerosolizationtemperature as this minimizes the likelihood of overheating of theaerosol-generating element 180, which enhances user experience of anyconstituent flavors. Additionally, modulating the electrical energyprovided to the heating element 130 by the power source 150 results inoptimizing the amount of power used and extends the overall life of thepower source 150.

In further exemplary implementations, the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 160 is configured to receive user input regardinga maximum aerosolization temperature between constituent components ofthe aerosol-generating element 180. In this manner, the control device170 is configured to modulate the electrical energy provided to theheating element 130 by the power source 150 in response to the userinput maximum aerosolization temperature.

In such an implementation, rather than using an algorithm or anattribute identification detector to detect an attribute identifier on apackage of the aerosol-generating element 180, the aerosol-generatingelement identification device 160 is configured with a user interface206 that enables a user to input the attribute(s) of theaerosol-generating element 180 to the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 160.

More particularly, and referring back to FIG. 2 the processor 202 insome example is connected to one or more interfaces 206 for displaying,transmitting, and/or receiving information. The interfaces 206 include,in some aspects, a communications interface (e.g., communications unit)and/or one or more user interfaces. The communications interface isconfigured to transmit and/or receive information, such as to and/orfrom other circuits within the smoking article (i.e., the control unit170). The communications interface is in electrical communication withthe control unit 170 via appropriate circuitry and/or other connectionsto transmit the determined maximum aerosolization temperature to thecontrol device 170, as well as any other information (e.g., wattage) tothe control device 170.

The user interface includes, in some aspects, a display 208 and/or oneor more user input interfaces (e.g., input/output unit). The display 208of the aerosol-generating element identification device 160 isconfigured to present or otherwise display information to a user,suitable examples of which include a liquid crystal display (LCD),light-emitting diode display (LED), plasma display panel (PDP) or thelike. In some aspects, the display 208 and the user input interfaces arethe same (e.g., a touchscreen) so that the user is able to actuate theaerosol-generating element identification device 160 by inputting themaximum aerosolization temperature between constituent components of theaerosol-generating element 180 at the display 208.

Accordingly, the smoking article 100 is configured to provide a smokingor smoke-like sensation to a consumer. More particularly, the smokingarticle 100 is configured to be actuated by an actuation mechanism (notshown) to provide the consumer with a satisfactory sensory experiencethrough identifying an attribute of the aerosol-generating element(e.g., the maximum aerosolization temperature between constituentcomponents of the aerosol-generating element 180) and subsequentlymodulating the electrical energy provided to the heating element 130 bythe power source 150, in response to the identified attribute, so as todirect the heating element 130 to heat the aerosol-generating element180 to an aerosolization temperature associated with the identifiedattribute of the aerosol-generating element 180 to reduce the likelihoodof burning the constituent components of the aerosol-generating element180 and thereby promote such a satisfactory experience for the user. Insome aspects, the actuation mechanism is a pushbutton, a puff sensor, aflow sensor, or any other consumer-activated mechanism. For example,where the actuation mechanism is a pushbutton, the pushbutton is linkedto a control circuit for manual control of electrical current flow,wherein the consumer uses the pushbutton to turn on the smoking article100 and/or to actuate electrical current flow to the heating element130. In this instance, one or more buttons are provided for manualperformance of powering the smoking article 100 on and off, which thensends a signal to actuate the control device 170 to direct power fromthe power source 150 to the heating element 130.

The control device 170, in communication with the aerosol-generatingelement identification device 160 is configured to modulate theelectrical energy or power directed from the power source 150 to theheating element 130 based on and in response to the identified attributeof the aerosol-generating element 180. As such, the heating element 130produces heat to be provided to the aerosol-generating element 180within the cavity 122 that is modulated based on the attribute of theaerosol-generating element 180. The aerosol-generating element 180, inturn, then produces and provides an aerosol, in response to the heat,wherein the aerosol is suitable for inhalation by the consumer. Inanother example, the actuation mechanism is a flow sensor (not shown)such that the smoking article 100 is only actuated upon application of adraw (i.e., at times of use by the consumer exerting a draw on themouthpiece portion 110). In such an instance, the flow sensor isconfigured to detect a puff by the consumer or draw on the article,which then sends a signal to actuate the control device 170.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, a smoking article 400 is illustrated. Thesmoking article 400 comprises components similar to the components ofthe smoking article 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B. For conciseness,substantially similar components will not be described again in detail.

In some aspects, the smoking article 400 generally comprises amouthpiece portion 410, a tubular housing 420 defining a cavity 422associated with a heating element 430, and a component housing 440 thatincludes a power source 450, an aerosol-generating elementidentification device 460, and a control device 470. A solidaerosol-generating material 480 is configured to be received within thecavity 422 of the tubular housing 420.

In some exemplary aspects, the mouthpiece portion 410 is engaged withthe housing 420 such that the housing-engaging end is either permanently(i.e., is integrally formed) or removably engaged with the housing 420.Where the mouthpiece portion 410 is removably engaged with the housing420, and as illustrated in FIG. 4B, each of a housing-engaging end ofthe mouthpiece portion 410 and a mouthpiece engaging end of the housing420 is provided with a plurality of threads, such that the mouthpieceportion 410 is able to be threadingly received at the mouthpiece engagedend of the housing 420. In this manner, when the mouthpiece portion 410is removed from the housing 420, an interior of the cavity 422 definedby the housing 420 is accessible to receive the solid aerosol-generatingmaterial 480 therein. Other engagement mechanisms for engaging themouthpiece portion 410 with the housing 420 are also contemplatedherein.

In some aspects, when the mouthpiece piece portion 410 is engaged withthe housing 420, an interior of the mouthpiece portion 410 defines atleast one orifice therethough to provide a mouthpiece channel 412through the mouthpiece portion 410 and into the housing 420. Afiltration material 414 is, in some aspects, capable of being receivedwithin the mouthpiece channel 412. In some aspects, the filtrationmaterial 414 is cellulose acetate or otherwise includes an absorbent oradsorbent material capable of reducing predetermined levels ofparticulates generated from the heating of the solid aerosol-generatingmaterial 480.

In some aspects, the tubular housing 420 is configured to operablyengage a tubular housing-engaging end of the component housing 440. Aninlet defined either in the component housing 440 or in the housing 420enables air to be drawn into the smoking article 400. For example, andas illustrated in FIG. 4B, an inlet or orifice 442 is defined in thecomponent housing 440. As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, the component-engagingend of the housing 420 is longitudinally opposed to themouthpiece-engaging end of the housing 420. Upon engagement with thecomponent housing 440, in some instances, an air flow passageway 424 isdefined between the cavity 422 of the housing 420 and an interior of thecomponent housing 440. In some instances, the air flow passageway 424 isarranged and configured to fluidly connect and communicate with aninterior of the component housing 440 so as to provide for air to bedrawn into the cavity 422 via at least one orifice 442 defined withinthe component housing 440. Further, the mouthpiece channel 412 is alsoin fluid communication, via the cavity 422, with the air flow passageway424. Accordingly, in response to a draw upon the mouth-engaging end ofthe mouthpiece portion 410, air, in turn, is drawn through the at leastone orifice 442, through the interior of the component housing 440,through the air flow passageway 424, into the cavity 422 of the housing420.

In another example, an inlet or orifice (not illustrated) is defined inthe housing 420. This inlet or orifice is in fluid communication with aninterior of the housing 420 or the cavity 422 such that in response to adraw upon the mouth-engaging end of the mouthpiece portion 410, air, inturn, is drawn through the orifice defined the housing 420 and into thecavity 422 of the housing 420.

Regardless of the disposition of the inlet or orifice within the smokingarticle, the air drawn into the smoking article is configured to bedrawn into the cavity 422 to interact with the aerosol-generatingelement 480 and/or the heating element 430. Within the cavity 422 of thehousing 420, the air is mixed with the aerosol produced by the heatedaerosol-generating element 480 and the aerosol/air mixture istransported through the mouthpiece channel 412 to the mouth-engaging endof the mouthpiece portion 410.

In some aspects, the solid aerosol-generating material 480 is configuredto be removed from within the cavity 422 of the tubular housing 420. Forexample, after the solid aerosol-generating material 480 is “used-up”such that no more aerosol is capable of being generated therefrom, it isadvantageous to remove the solid aerosol-generating material 480 andreplace it with another solid aerosol-generating material 480. In orderto do so, in some exemplary implementations, the tubular housing 420comprises a removal mechanism 444 configured to remove the solidaerosol-generating material 480 (e.g., an annular tobacco plug) fromwithin the cavity 422 of the tubular housing 420. The removal mechanism444 comprises for example, a biasing mechanism or any other type ofmechanism that applies pressure to the solid-aerosol-generating material480 along a longitudinal axis thereof to push the solidaerosol-generating material 480 towards an opening of the cavity 422 forremoval of the solid aerosol-generating material 480 upon disengagementof the mouthpiece portion 410 from the tubular housing 420.

The heating element 430 is, in some aspects, operably engaged with thetubular housing 420 and is configured to provide heat to the solidaerosol generating material 480 in order to aerosolize said material.Where the tubular housing 420 comprises an outer wall 426 defining thecavity 422, the heating element 430 comprises a first portion 432configured to extend about the outer wall 426 and a second portion 434configured to extend within the cavity 422 defined by the outer wall426. More particularly, in some aspects, the first portion 432 isconfigured with a larger diameter than a diameter of the second portion434. An insulating sleeve 428 in some exemplary implementations isprovided around an external circumference of the outer wall 426 toprovide enhanced insulating properties to the smoking article 400.

As such, in these instances, the solid aerosol-generating material 480comprises an annular tobacco plug (e.g., 180A, FIG. 3A) configured to beremovably received within the cavity 422 of the tubular housing 420,such that an inner surface of the annular tobacco plug extends about thesecond portion 434 of the heating element 430 and the first portion 432of the heating element 430 extends about an outer surface of the annulartobacco plug within the cylindrical cavity 422. In this manner, thesolid aerosol-generating material 480 is configured to be removably andreplaceably received by the cavity 422 of the tubular housing 420 upondisengagement of the mouthpiece portion 410 and the tubular housing 420.

The heating element 430 is, in some aspects, in electrical communicationwith the power source 450. The power source 450 in some exemplaryimplementations is configured to provide electrical energy to theheating element 430, such that the heating element 430 produces heat inresponse to the electrical energy. The power source 450 comprises, insome aspects, a rechargeable or replaceable battery.

In some aspects, the power source 450 comprises wiring providing powerto the aerosol-generating element identification device 460, which isengaged or engageable with the mouthpiece portion 410, the tubularhousing 420, or the component housing 440. As illustrated in FIG. 4A,the aerosol-generating element identification device 460 is engaged withthe component housing 440, although the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 460 is configured to be provided on any of themouthpiece portion 410, the tubular housing 420, or the componenthousing 440.

Similar to the aerosol-generating element identification device 160described above, the aerosol-generating element identification device460 is configured to identify, upon actuation thereof, an attribute ofthe solid aerosol-generating material 480. The attribute of the solidaerosol-generating material 480, in some aspects, is selected from thegroup consisting of a flavor, a heating profile of each constituentcomponent of the solid aerosol-generating material 480, a maximumaerosolization temperature between the constituent components of thesolid aerosol-generating material 480, a wattage for controlling thepower source 430 relative to the maximum aerosolization temperature ofthe constituent components of the solid aerosol-generating material 480,and combinations thereof.

In some exemplary implementations, the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 460 comprises an attribute identification detectorconfigured to detect an attribute identifier identifying the attributeof the solid aerosol-generating material 480 (e.g., FIG. 3A). In suchaspects, the attribute identifier comprises a UPC barcode, a QR-Code, oran RFID device identifying the attribute of the solid aerosol-generatingmaterial 480. To detect the attribute identifier, the attributeidentification detector comprises, for example, a camera, a wirelesstransceiver, or a scanner configured to detect, upon actuation thereof,the attribute identifier, to identify the attribute of the solidaerosol-generating material 480 associated therewith, and to communicatethe identification of the attribute to the control device 470. Forexample, the attribute identification detector 460 is configured todetect the attribute identifier on a package containing a new annulartobacco plug (e.g., FIG. 3A).

In other exemplary implementations, the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 460 comprises a processor (e.g., 202) configuredto execute an algorithm to identify, upon actuation thereof, theattribute of the solid aerosol-generating material 480. For example, theprocessor of the aerosol-generating element identification device 460 isconfigured to execute an algorithm stored in a memory (e.g., (204) tocause the aerosol-generating element identification device 460 toanalyze the solid aerosol-generating material 480 to determineconstituent components thereof, to determine a maximum aerosolizationtemperature between the constituent components, and to communicate thedetermined maximum aerosolization temperature to the control device 470.

In this manner, the control device 470 is in communication with theaerosol-generating element identification device 460 and is configuredto modulate the electrical energy provided to the heating element 430 bythe power source 450, in response to the identified attribute, so as todirect the heating element 430 to heat the solid aerosol-generatingmaterial 480 to the determined maximum aerosolization temperature inresponse to receiving the determined maximum aerosolization temperaturefrom the aerosol-generating element identification device 460.

In another exemplary implementation, the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 460 is configured to receive user input regardinga maximum aerosolization temperature between constituent components ofthe solid aerosol-generating material 480. For example, and as describedabove, a user interface (e.g., 206) and/or a display (e.g., 208) areconfigured to receive user input regarding attribute(s) of theaerosol-generating element 480, e.g., aerosolization temperatures forconstituent components of the solid aerosol-generating material 480. Theaerosol-generating element identification device 460 is configured, insome aspects, to analyze the user inputs and identify which is theaerosolization temperature input. In this manner, the aerosolizationtemperature is then transmitted to the control device 470, such that thecontrol device 470 is configured to modulate the electrical energyprovided to the heating element 430 by the power source 450 in responseto the user input maximum aerosolization temperature.

In some aspects, where the heating element 430 comprises the firstportion 432 and the second portion 434, the control device 470 isconfigured to modulate the electrical energy provided to each portion432, 434 independently. More particularly, the control device 470 isconfigured to modulate the electrical energy provided to the firstportion 432 separately and discretely from the electrical energyprovided to the second portion 434 of the heating element 430 so as toprovide for individual control of the first and second portions 432,434. As such, first portion 432 is capable of being heated to a highertemperature, a lower temperature, or substantially a same temperaturerelative to the second portion 434. More information regardingindependent control of separate heating portions of a heating elementcan be found in U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. 2016/0360785 to Bless et al.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a smoking article 500 is illustrated. Thesmoking article 500 comprises components similar to the components ofthe smoking article 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B. For conciseness,substantially similar components will not be described again in detail.

In some aspects, the smoking article 500 generally comprises amouthpiece portion 510, a tubular housing 520 defining a cavity 522associated with a heating element 530, and a component housing 540 thatincludes a power source 550, an aerosol-generating elementidentification device 560, and a control device 570. Anaerosol-generating liquid 580 is configured to be received within thecavity 522 of the tubular housing 520.

In some exemplary aspects, the mouthpiece portion 510 is engaged withthe housing 520 such that the housing-engaging end is either permanently(i.e., is integrally formed) or removably engaged with the housing 520.As illustrated in FIG. 5, the mouthpiece portion 510 is integrallyformed and engaged with the housing 520 such that the two areirremovably engaged with one another. An interior of the mouthpieceportion 510 defines at least one orifice therethough to provide amouthpiece channel 512 through the mouthpiece portion 510 and into thehousing 520. In some aspects, the mouthpiece channel 512 is definedthrough a tubular passage 514. A filtration material (not shown) iscapable of being received within the mouthpiece channel 512 and/or inthe mouthpiece portion 510.

In some aspects, the tubular housing 520 is configured as having a firstend and a longitudinally-opposed second end. In some aspects, at thefirst end is the mouthpiece portion 510 and at thelongitudinally-opposed second end is an engagement mechanism to operablyengage a longitudinal end of the component housing 540. Alternatively,in other aspects, at the longitudinally-opposed second end is themouthpiece portion 510 and at the first end is the engagement mechanismto operably engage the longitudinal end of the component housing 540.

Upon engagement between the housing 520 and the component housing 540,in some instances, an air flow passageway 524 is defined between thecavity 522 of the housing 520 and an interior of the component housing540. In some instances, the air flow passageway 524 is arranged andconfigured to fluidly connect and communicate with a central passage 544defined at an engagement interface between the component housing 540 andthe tubular housing 520 so as to provide for air to be drawn into thecavity 522 via at least one orifice 542 defined within the componenthousing 540. Further, the mouthpiece channel 512 is also in fluidcommunication, via the cavity 522, with the air flow passageway 524.Accordingly, in response to a draw upon the mouth-engaging end of themouthpiece portion 510, air, in turn, is drawn through the at least oneorifice 542, through the interior of the component housing 540, throughthe air flow passageway 524, into the cavity 522 of the housing 520.Within the cavity 522 of the housing 520, the air is mixed with anaerosol generated from the aerosol-generating liquid 580, and theaerosol/air mixture is transported through the mouthpiece channel 512 tothe mouth-engaging end of the mouthpiece portion 510.

The heating element 530 engaged with the tubular housing 530 isconfigured to provide heat to the aerosol-generating liquid 580. In someaspects, the heating element 530 is configured as a resistive heatingelement, such as a resistive coil. In such aspects, the resistiveheating element 530 comprises terminals 532 (e.g., positive and negativeterminals) at the opposing ends thereof for facilitating current flowthrough the heating element 530 and for attachment of the appropriatewiring (not illustrated) to form an electrical connection of the heatingelement 530 with the power source 550 when the tubular housing 520 isoperably engaged with the component housing 540.

Engagement or disengagement of the component housing 540 and the tubularhousing 520 is achievable via an engagement mechanism 546 disposed atthe longitudinal end of the component housing and a correspondingengagement mechanism 528 disposed at either the first or at the secondend of the tubular housing. The engagement mechanisms 546, 528 provideoperable engagement between the component housing 540 and the tubularhousing 520 such that the two are capable of being readily removed fromone another, such as, for example, to remove and replace the tubularhousing 520. Further information regarding engagement mechanisms may befound in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,639 to Chang et al.

In some aspects, the cavity 522 of the tubular housing 520 isnon-refillable. In this manner, after the consumer consumes theaerosol-generating liquid 580, the tubular housing 520 is removable fromthe component housing 540 and is disposable, and another tubular housing520 containing a quantity of aerosol-generating liquid 580 is able to bereattached to the longitudinal end of the component housing 540. Assuch, the tubular housing 520 with the mouthpiece portion 510 isconfigured as a replaceable cartridge (e.g., 306, FIGS. 3B, 3C). Inother aspects, the cavity 522 of the tubular housing 520 is refillable.In this manner, after the consumer consumes the aerosol-generatingliquid 580, the tubular housing 520 is able to either remain operablyengaged with the component housing 540 or is removed from the componenthousing 540 for refilling. As such, the tubular housing 520 with themouthpiece portion 510 contained therein is configured as a refillablecartridge.

The heating element 530 is, in some aspects, operably engaged with thetubular housing 520 and is configured to provide heat to theaerosol-generating liquid 580 in order to aerosolize said liquid. To doso, the heating element 530 is, in some aspects, in electricalcommunication with the power source 550. The power source 550 in someexemplary implementations is configured to provide electrical energy tothe heating element 530, such that the heating element 530 produces heatin response to the electrical energy. The power source 550 comprises, insome aspects, a rechargeable or replaceable battery. In some aspects,the power source 550 comprises wiring providing power to theaerosol-generating element identification device 560, which is engagedor engageable with the mouthpiece portion 510, the tubular housing 520,or the component housing 540. As illustrated in FIG. 5, theaerosol-generating element identification device 560 is engaged with thecomponent housing 540, although the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 560 is configured to be provided on any of themouthpiece portion 510, the tubular housing 520, or the componenthousing 540.

Similar to the aerosol-generating element identification device 160described above, the aerosol-generating element identification device560 is configured to identify, upon actuation thereof, an attribute ofthe aerosol-generating liquid 580. The attribute of theaerosol-generating liquid 580, in some aspects, is selected from thegroup consisting of a flavor, a heating profile of each constituentcomponent of the aerosol-generating liquid 580, a maximum aerosolizationtemperature between the constituent components of the aerosol-generatingliquid 580, a wattage for controlling the power source 530 relative tothe maximum aerosolization temperature of the constituent components ofthe aerosol-generating liquid 580, and combinations thereof.

In some exemplary implementations, the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 560 comprises an attribute identification detectorconfigured to detect an attribute identifier identifying the attributeof the aerosol-generating liquid 580 (e.g., FIGS. 3B, 3C). In suchaspects, the attribute identifier comprises a UPC barcode, a QR-Code, oran RFID device identifying the attribute of the aerosol-generatingliquid 580. To detect the attribute identifier, the attributeidentification detector comprises, for example, a camera, a wirelesstransceiver, or a scanner configured to detect, upon actuation thereof,the attribute identifier, to identify the attribute of theaerosol-generating liquid 580 associated therewith, and to communicatethe identification of the attribute to the control device 570. Forexample, where the smoking article 500 necessitates a non-refillablecartridge, the attribute identification detector is configured to detectthe attribute identifier provided on a packaging of a new tubularhousing or cartridge containing the aerosol-generating liquid 580 (e.g.,FIG. 3B), or the attribute identifier otherwise is provided on the newtubular housing or cartridge itself containing the aerosol-generatingliquid 580 (e.g., FIG. 3C). In another example, where the smokingarticle 500 necessitates refilling a refillable tubular cartridge, theattribute identification detector is configured to detect the attributeidentifier on a package containing the refill aerosol-generating liquid580.

In other exemplary implementations, the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 560 comprises a processor (e.g., 202) configuredto execute an algorithm to identify, upon actuation thereof, theattribute of the aerosol-generating liquid 580. For example, theprocessor of the aerosol-generating element identification device 560 isconfigured to execute an algorithm stored in a memory (e.g., 204) tocause the aerosol-generating element identification device 560 toanalyze the aerosol-generating liquid 580 to determine constituentcomponents thereof, to determine a maximum aerosolization temperaturebetween the constituent components, and to communicate the determinedmaximum aerosolization temperature to the control device 570.

In this manner, the control device 570 is in communication with theaerosol-generating element identification device 560 and is configuredto modulate the electrical energy provided to the heating element 530(e.g., the resistive coil) by the power source 550, in response to theidentified attribute, so as to direct the heating element 530 to heatthe aerosol-generating liquid 580 the determined maximum aerosolizationtemperature in response to receiving the determined maximumaerosolization temperature from the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 560.

In another exemplary implementation, the aerosol-generating elementidentification device 560 is configured to receive user input regardinga maximum aerosolization temperature between constituent components ofthe aerosol-generating liquid 580. For example, and as described above,a user interface (e.g., 206) and/or a display (e.g., 208) is configuredto receive user input regarding attribute(s) of the aerosol-generatingliquid 580, e.g., aerosolization temperatures for constituent componentsof the aerosol-generating liquid 580. The aerosol-generating elementidentification device 560 is configured, in some aspects, to analyze theuser inputs and identify which is the aerosolization temperature input.In this manner, the aerosolization temperature is then transmitted tothe control device 570, such that the control device 570 is configuredto modulate the electrical energy provided to the heating element 530 bythe power source 550 in response to the user input maximumaerosolization temperature.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a method flow diagram for a method for making asmoking article, generally designated 600, is provided. The smokingarticle made in the method 600 may be the smoking article 100, 400, 500or one substantially similar.

In step 602, a heating element is operably engaged with a housingdefining a cavity configured to receive an aerosol-generating elementtherein, the heating element being configured to provide heat to theaerosol-generating element for the aerosol-generating element to producean aerosol in response thereto.

In step 604, a power source is engaged in electrical communication withthe heating element, with the power source being configured to provideelectrical energy to the heating element, and the heating elementproducing heat in response to the electrical energy.

In step 606, an aerosol-generating element identification device isengaged with the housing, with the aerosol-generating elementidentification device being configured to identify, upon actuationthereof, an attribute of the aerosol-generating element.

In step 608, a control device is engaged with the aerosol-generatingelement identification device, with the control device being configuredto modulate the electrical energy provided to the heating element by thepower source, in response to the identified attribute, so as to directthe heating element to heat the aerosol-generating element to anaerosolization temperature associated with the identified attribute ofthe aerosol-generating element.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions andthe associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that thedisclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosedherein and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to beincluded within the scope of the appended claims. Although specificterms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptivesense only and not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed:
 1. A smoking article comprising: anaerosol-generating element configured to produce an aerosol in responseto heat; a housing defining a cavity configured to receive theaerosol-generating element therein; a heating element operably engagedwith the housing and configured to provide heat to theaerosol-generating element; a power source in electrical communicationwith the heating element and configured to provide electrical energythereto, the heating element producing heat in response to theelectrical energy; an aerosol-generating element identification deviceengaged with the housing and configured to identify, upon actuationthereof, an attribute of the aerosol-generating element; and a controldevice in communication with the aerosol-generating elementidentification device and configured to modulate the electrical energyprovided to the heating element by the power source so as to direct theheating element to heat the aerosol-generating element to anaerosolization temperature associated with the identified attribute ofthe aerosol-generating element.
 2. The article of claim 1, wherein thehousing comprises an outer wall defining a cylindrical cavity.
 3. Thearticle of claim 2, wherein the heating element comprises a firstportion configured to extend about the outer wall and a second portionconfigured to extend within the cylindrical cavity.
 4. The article ofclaim 3, wherein the control device is configured to modulate theelectrical energy provided to the first portion separately anddiscretely from the electrical energy provided to the second portion ofthe heating element so as to provide for individual control of the firstand second portions.
 5. The article of claim 1, wherein theaerosol-generating element identification device comprises an attributeidentification detector configured to detect an attribute identifieridentifying the attribute of the aerosol-generating element.
 6. Thearticle of claim 5, wherein the attribute identifier comprises aUniversal Product Code (UPC) barcode, a QR-Code, or a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) device identifying the attribute of theaerosol-generating element.
 7. The article of claim 5, wherein theattribute identification detector comprises a camera, a wirelesstransceiver, or a scanner configured to detect, upon actuation thereof,the attribute identifier, to identify the attribute of theaerosol-generating element associated therewith, and to communicate theidentification of the attribute to the control device.
 8. The article ofclaim 5, wherein the attribute identifier is provided on a packaging ofthe aerosol-generating element.
 9. The article of claim 1, wherein theattribute of the aerosol-generating element is selected from the groupconsisting of a flavor, a heating profile of each constituent componentof the aerosol-generating element, a maximum aerosolization temperaturebetween the constituent components of the aerosol-generating element, awattage for controlling the power source relative to the maximumaerosolization temperature of the constituent components of theaerosol-generating element, and combinations thereof.
 10. The article ofclaim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating element identification devicecomprises a processor configured to execute an algorithm to identify,upon actuation thereof, the attribute of the aerosol-generating element.11. The article of claim 10, wherein the aerosol-generating elementidentification device is configured to analyze the aerosol-generatingelement to determine constituent components thereof, determine a maximumaerosolization temperature between the constituent components, and tocommunicate the determined maximum aerosolization temperature to thecontrol device, the control device modulating the electrical energyprovided to the heating element by the power source in response to thedetermined maximum aerosolization temperature.
 12. The article of claim10, wherein the aerosol-generating element identification device isconfigured to receive user input regarding a maximum aerosolizationtemperature between constituent components of the aerosol-generatingelement, the control device modulating the electrical energy provided tothe heating element by the power source in response to the user inputmaximum aerosolization temperature.
 13. The article of claim 1, whereinthe aerosol-generating element comprises an annular tobacco plugconfigured to be removably received within the cavity of the housing.14. The article of claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating elementcomprises an aerosol-generating liquid received in a cartridge, thecartridge being removably engaged with the housing.
 15. A method formaking a smoking article comprising: operably engaging a heating elementwith a housing defining a cavity configured to receive anaerosol-generating element therein, the heating element being configuredto provide heat to the aerosol-generating element for theaerosol-generating element to produce an aerosol in response thereto;engaging a power source in electrical communication with the heatingelement, the power source being configured to provide electrical energyto the heating element, and the heating element producing heat inresponse to the electrical energy; engaging an aerosol-generatingelement identification device with the housing, the aerosol-generatingelement identification device being configured to identify, uponactuation thereof, an attribute of the aerosol-generating element; andengaging a control device with the aerosol-generating elementidentification device, the control device being configured to modulatethe electrical energy provided to the heating element by the powersource so as to direct the heating element to heat theaerosol-generating element to an aerosolization temperature associatedwith the identified attribute of the aerosol-generating element.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein operably engaging the heating element withthe housing comprises operably engaging the heating element with atubular housing comprising an outer wall defining a cylindrical cavity.17. The method of claim 16, wherein operably engaging the heatingelement with the tubular housing comprises operably engaging a firstportion of the heating element to extend about the outer wall and asecond portion of the heating element to extend within the cylindricalcavity.
 18. The method of claim 17, comprising modulating, by thecontrol device, the electrical energy provided to the first portionseparately and discretely from the electrical energy provided to thesecond portion of the heating element so as to provide for individualcontrol of the first and second portions of the heating element.
 19. Themethod of claim 15, comprising detecting an attribute identifieridentifying the attribute of the aerosol-generating element using anattribute identification detector of the aerosol-generating elementidentification device.
 20. The method of claim 19, comprisingidentifying the attribute of the aerosol-generating element using aUniversal Product Code (UPC) barcode, a QR-Code, or a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) device of the attribute identifier.
 21. The methodof claim 19, comprising detecting the attribute identifier to identifythe attribute of the aerosol-generating element associated therewith andto communicate the identification of the attribute to the control deviceusing, upon actuation thereof, a camera, a wireless transceiver, or ascanner of the attribute identification detector.
 22. The method ofclaim 19, comprising providing the attribute identifier on a packagingof the aerosol-generating element.
 23. The method of claim 15,comprising executing, by a processor of the aerosol-generating elementidentification device, an algorithm to identify, upon actuation thereof,the attribute of the aerosol-generating element.
 24. The method of claim23, comprising analyzing, by the aerosol-generating elementidentification device, the aerosol-generating element to determineconstituent components thereof, determining a maximum aerosolizationtemperature between the constituent components, and communicating thedetermined maximum aerosolization temperature to the control device, andmodulating, with the control device, the electrical energy provided tothe heating element by the power source in response to the determinedmaximum aerosolization temperature.
 25. The method of claim 23,comprising receiving, at the aerosol-generating element identificationdevice, user input regarding a maximum aerosolization temperaturebetween constituent components of the aerosol-generating element, andmodulating, with the control device, the electrical energy provided tothe heating element by the power source in response to the user inputmaximum aerosolization temperature.
 26. A smoking article comprising: asolid aerosol-generating material configured to produce an aerosol inresponse to heat; a tubular housing defining a cavity configured toreceive the solid aerosol-generating material therein; a heating elementoperably engaged with the tubular housing and configured to provide heatto the solid aerosol-generating material; a power source in electricalcommunication with the heating element and configured to provideelectrical energy thereto, the heating element producing heat inresponse to the electrical energy; an aerosol-generating elementidentification device engaged with the housing and configured toidentify, upon actuation thereof, an attribute of the solidaerosol-generating material; and a control device in communication withthe aerosol-generating element identification device and configured tomodulate the electrical energy provided to the heating element by thepower source so as to direct the heating element to heat the solidaerosol-generating material to an aerosolization temperature associatedwith the identified attribute of the solid aerosol-generating material.27. The article of claim 26, wherein the tubular housing comprises anouter wall defining a cylindrical cavity.
 28. The article of claim 27,wherein the heating element comprises a first portion configured toextend about the outer wall and a second portion configured to extendwithin the cylindrical cavity.
 29. The article of claim 28, wherein thecontrol device is configured to modulate the electrical energy providedto the first portion separately and discretely from the electricalenergy provided to the second portion of the heating element so as toprovide for individual control of the first and second portions.
 30. Thearticle of claim 28, wherein the solid aerosol-generating materialcomprises an annular tobacco plug configured to be removably receivedwithin the cavity of the tubular housing, such that an inner surface ofthe annular tobacco plug extends about the second portion of the heatingelement and such that the first portion of the heating element extendsabout an outer surface of the annular tobacco plug within thecylindrical cavity.
 31. The article of claim 30, wherein the tubularhousing comprises a removal mechanism configured to remove the annulartobacco plug from within the cavity of the tubular housing.
 32. Thearticle of claim 26, wherein the aerosol-generating elementidentification device comprises an attribute identification detectorconfigured to detect an attribute identifier identifying the attributeof the solid aerosol-generating material.
 33. The article of claim 32,wherein the attribute identifier comprises a Universal Product Code(UPC) barcode, a QR-Code, or a radio-frequency identification (RFID)device identifying the attribute of the solid aerosol-generatingmaterial.
 34. The article of claim 32, wherein the attributeidentification detector comprises a camera, a wireless transceiver, or ascanner configured to detect, upon actuation thereof, the attributeidentifier, to identify the attribute of the solid aerosol-generatingmaterial associated therewith, and to communicate the identification ofthe attribute to the control device.
 35. The article of claim 32,wherein the attribute identifier is provided on a packaging of the solidaerosol-generating material.
 36. The article of claim 26, wherein theattribute of the solid aerosol-generating material is selected from thegroup consisting of a flavor, a heating profile of each constituentcomponent of the solid aerosol-generating material, a maximumaerosolization temperature between the constituent components of thesolid aerosol-generating material, a wattage for controlling the powersource relative to the maximum aerosolization temperature of theconstituent components of the solid aerosol-generating material, andcombinations thereof.
 37. The article of claim 26, wherein theaerosol-generating element identification device comprises a processorconfigured to execute an algorithm to identify, upon actuation thereof,the attribute of the solid aerosol-generating material.
 38. The articleof claim 37, wherein the aerosol-generating element identificationdevice is configured to analyze the solid aerosol-generating material todetermine constituent components thereof, to determine a maximumaerosolization temperature between the constituent components, and tocommunicate the determined maximum aerosolization temperature to thecontrol device, the control device modulating the electrical energyprovided to the heating element by the power source in response to thedetermined maximum aerosolization temperature.
 39. The article of claim38, wherein the aerosol-generating element identification device isconfigured to receive user input regarding a maximum aerosolizationtemperature between constituent components of the solidaerosol-generating material, the control device modulating theelectrical energy provided to the heating element by the power source inresponse to the user input maximum aerosolization temperature.
 40. Asmoking article comprising: an aerosol-generating liquid configured toproduce an aerosol in response to heat; a tubular housing having a firstend and a longitudinally-opposed second end, the tubular housingincluding an outer wall defining a cavity configured to receive theaerosol-generating liquid therein; a heating element configured toprovide heat to the aerosol-generating liquid; and a component housinghaving a longitudinal end operably engaged with one of the first andsecond ends of the tubular housing and including: a power source inelectrical communication with the heating element and configured toprovide electrical energy thereto, the heating element producing heat inresponse to the electrical energy; an aerosol-generating elementidentification device engaged with the power source and configured toidentify, upon actuation thereof, an attribute of the aerosol-generatingliquid; and a control device configured to modulate the electricalenergy provided to the heating element so as to direct the heatingelement to heat the aerosol-generating liquid to an aerosolizationtemperature associated with the identified attribute of theaerosol-generating liquid.
 41. The article of claim 40, wherein theheating element comprises a resistive coil.
 42. The article of claim 40,wherein the aerosol-generating element identification device comprises aprocessor configured to execute an algorithm to identify, upon actuationthereof, an attribute of the aerosol-generating liquid.
 43. The articleof claim 40, wherein the tubular housing is removable from the componenthousing.
 44. The article of claim 40, wherein the aerosol-generatingelement identification device comprises an attribute identificationdetector configured to detect an attribute identifier identifying theattribute of the aerosol-generating liquid.
 45. The article of claim 44,wherein the attribute identifier comprises a Universal Product Code(UPC) barcode, a QR-Code, or a radio-frequency identification (RFID)device identifying the attribute of the aerosol-generating liquid. 46.The article of claim 44, wherein the attribute identification detectorcomprises a camera, a wireless transceiver, or a scanner configured todetect, upon actuation thereof, the attribute identifier, to identifythe attribute of the aerosol-generating liquid associated therewith, andto communicate the identity of the attribute to the control device. 47.The article of claim 44, wherein the attribute identifier is provided ona packaging of a cartridge for containing the aerosol-generating liquid,on a packaging of the aerosol-generating liquid, or on a cartridgereceiving the aerosol-generating liquid.
 48. The article of claim 40,wherein the attribute of the aerosol-generating liquid is selected fromthe group consisting of a flavor, a heating profile of each constituentcomponent of the aerosol-generating liquid, a maximum aerosolizationtemperature between the constituent components of the aerosol-generatingliquid, a wattage for controlling the power source relative to themaximum aerosolization temperature of the constituent components of theaerosol-generating liquid, and combinations thereof.
 49. The article ofclaim 42, wherein the aerosol-generating element identification deviceis configured to analyze the aerosol-generating liquid to determineconstituent components thereof, to determine a maximum aerosolizationtemperature between the constituent components, and to communicate thedetermined maximum aerosolization temperature to the control device, thecontrol device modulating the electrical energy provided to the heatingelement by the power source in response to the determined maximumaerosolization temperature.
 50. The article of claim 42, wherein theaerosol-generating element identification device is configured toreceive user input regarding a maximum aerosolization temperaturebetween constituent components of the aerosol-generating liquid, thecontrol device modulating the electrical energy provided to the heatingelement by the power source in response to the user input maximumaerosolization temperature.